Post Malone has used the unique, one-of-one The One Ring card from Magic: The Gathering's The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set in an actual game. He acquired the card for $2 million in August 2023, and recently took it out of its protective casing to play it during an episode of The Command Zone's Game Knights series.
Malone removed the card, which features the serial number 001/001, from its display block, stating, "It would ruin game night." While high-value trading cards are typically preserved in graded condition, Malone utilized the card as it was intended.
The gameplay mechanics of Post Malone's The One Ring card are identical to the common versions. When it enters the battlefield, it grants protection from everything until the player's next turn. It can then be tapped to draw cards, with the trade-off of accumulating burden counters that eventually deplete life.
This specific copy of The One Ring is unique due to its 001/001 serial number, making it the only one in existence. It was discovered by collector Brook Trafton, authenticated, and graded before Malone's purchase. Trafton expressed hope that the buyer would appreciate the card, noting the life-changing nature of the sale for him.
Since Malone's acquisition, a new The Hobbit set has been released for Magic: The Gathering, which also features treatments of The One Ring. However, Malone's serialized 001/001 card remains a singular item within the game's history. The event highlights the tension between collecting valuable cards and using them for their intended gameplay purpose.