NM /// LP /// MP /// HP /// DM
/// DR
/// DR
An anonymous donation of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards inspires a reconsideration of our concept of value.
The monetary value of these cards has been overshadowed by other forms of value that have left their marks on them. The previous owner, known only as “DR,” initialed the cards they valued the most. The most damaged cards are those that have been heavily played, resulting in condition ratings such as “DM” (damaged) or “HP” (heavily played). These ratings, used by retailers and resellers, denote a decreased market price. Interestingly, only some of the cards were initialed, while others, though also damaged, remain unmarked. This suggests that only certain cards were deemed worthy of inclusion in the previous owner’s “main deck(s),” representing their strategic choices and including “pet cards” that were likely added for the owner’s love of the art or for their (often counterproductive) effects.
This collection of cards abstractly portrays its anonymous donor and invites us to reconsider the various forms of value we seek to preserve, which may prevent us from discovering more more fulfilling forms of value.
Near Mint /// Lightly Played /// Moderately Played /// Heavily Played /// Damaged /// D.R.
