Pearl Medallion — ruling 1

The ability doesn't change the mana cost or mana value of any spell. It changes only the total cost you pay.

Pearl Medallion — ruling 2

The ability can't reduce the amount of colored mana you pay for a spell. It reduces only the generic mana component of that cost.

Pearl Medallion — ruling 3

If there are additional costs to cast a spell, or if the cost to cast a spell is increased by an effect (such as the one created by Thalia, Guardian of Thraben's ability), apply those increases before applying cost reductions.

Pearl Medallion — ruling 4

The cost reduction can apply to alternative costs such as flashback costs.

Pearl Medallion — ruling 5

If a spell you cast has {X} in its mana cost, you choose the value of X before calculating the spell's total cost.

Pearl Medallion : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Pearl Medallion is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

White spells you cast cost less to cast.

Complete guide

Pearl Medallion is a classic artifact that serves as a cornerstone for white-based strategies. By reducing the cost of your white spells, it allows you to accelerate your board state and maintain tempo throughout the game. Understanding how this reduction interacts with different costs is key to mastering its power.

What Pearl Medallion Does

Pearl Medallion provides a static effect that reduces the cost of every white spell you cast by {1}. It is important to note that this reduction applies only to the generic mana portion of a spell's cost; it cannot reduce the requirement for specific white mana pips or other colors.

Calculating the Total Cost

When you cast a spell, you first determine the base cost or an alternative cost. Next, you apply any cost increases, such as additional tax effects. Finally, you apply cost reductions like Pearl Medallion. Even with multiple reductions, the total cost cannot be reduced below the required colored mana; Pearl Medallion only affects the gray number in the mana cost.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is thinking Pearl Medallion changes a card's mana value. The mana value (formerly converted mana cost) is always derived from the symbols printed in the top corner of the card, regardless of what you actually paid. Additionally, if a spell costs only {W}, Pearl Medallion will not make it free, as it cannot reduce colored mana requirements.

When to Play It

Pearl Medallion is most effective when played early in the game, ideally on turn two. This allows the cumulative mana savings to add up over several turns, effectively acting as a repeatable source of mana for every white spell in your hand.

Interaction examples

Fast Mana Setup

Sol Ring

With a Sol Ring on the battlefield, you can tap it for {C}{C} to cast Pearl Medallion on turn one. Once Pearl Medallion is resolved, every subsequent white spell you cast for the rest of the game will cost {1} less, allowing for an incredibly explosive start.

Fixing and Reduction

Arcane Signet

If you have both Pearl Medallion and Arcane Signet, you have a powerful engine. Arcane Signet can produce the white mana required for your spells, while Pearl Medallion reduces the generic mana cost. Together, they ensure you can cast multiple white spells in a single turn even with a limited number of lands.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Pearl Medallion

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1July 28, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
The ability doesn't change the mana cost or mana value of any spell. It changes only the total cost you pay.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2July 28, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
The ability can't reduce the amount of colored mana you pay for a spell. It reduces only the generic mana component of that cost.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3July 28, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If there are additional costs to cast a spell, or if the cost to cast a spell is increased by an effect (such as the one created by Thalia, Guardian of Thraben's ability), apply those increases before applying cost reductions.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4July 28, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
The cost reduction can apply to alternative costs such as flashback costs.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5July 28, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If a spell you cast has in its mana cost, you choose the value of X before calculating the spell's total cost.
No other card is named in this ruling.