The Short Answer
- 7 actor-signed autograph cards including William Shatner and Kate Mulgrew, limited to approximately 200 copies each, are the top grading targets in the set.
- LCARS frame cards use the actual Starfleet interface font from Star Trek, with 29 character frames and 10 shock lands in the LCARS treatment.
- 30 Stardates bonus sheet reprints reimagine powerful MTG staples with Star Trek artwork, including Koldred the Apocalypse as "Khan, Engineered Evil."
- 24 Classic Enterprise variants feature vintage Star Trek poster art style, available in normal and foil from Collector Boosters.
- Autograph cards require special grading consideration — PSA authenticates signatures, making it the preferred grader for signed cards.
Why Star Trek Is MTG's Most Unique Universes Beyond Set
Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek releases worldwide on November 13, 2026, and it is unlike any Universes Beyond set before it. Celebrating 60 years of Star Trek, the set brings the world of Starfleet, warp drive, and interstellar exploration to Magic's card table with 280 cards, three set codes (TRK for the main expansion, TRC for Commander, SDS for the Stardates bonus sheet), and a treatment lineup that breaks new ground for MTG collectibility.
What makes Star Trek unique among Universes Beyond sets is the autograph program. Seven headliner Captain cards get real autograph versions signed by the actors who played them, including William Shatner (Captain Kirk) and Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway). These autograph cards are full art, textless, with a signature field replacing the usual text box, and they are exclusive to Collector Booster packs with approximately 200 copies each.
But the autographs are just the beginning. The set also features LCARS frame cards using the actual Starfleet interface font, 30 Stardates bonus sheet reprints of powerful MTG staples with Star Trek artwork, 24 Classic Enterprise variants with vintage poster art, 25 scene cards, and the Beam Me Up Bundle with exclusive promo cards. For collectors, this is the most treatment-diverse Universes Beyond set ever printed.
With the set releasing alongside MagicCon: Atlanta and World Championship 32 (November 13-15), the competitive and collector demand will overlap. You need a grading strategy before you open a single pack. AI pre-grading at $0.19 per card lets you filter your Star Trek pulls before spending $80+ per card on PSA submission fees.
Actor-Signed Autograph Cards: The Ultimate Collector Pull
The autograph cards are the crown jewel of MTG | Star Trek. Seven headliner Captain cards feature real signatures from the actors who played iconic Star Trek characters. William Shatner (Captain Kirk) and Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway) are confirmed, with five more to be announced. Each autograph card is:
- Full art and textless: The signature field replaces the usual text box, creating a clean, display-worthy card.
- Limited to approximately 200 copies each: With only ~200 per Captain, these are among the rarest MTG cards ever produced.
- Exclusive to Collector Boosters: Autograph cards cannot be pulled from Play Boosters or Bundles.
- Standard legal: Cards with the TRK set code are legal in Standard, meaning these autographs have both collector and competitive appeal.
For grading, autograph cards require special consideration. The signature itself is the primary value driver, but the card's physical condition still matters. A PSA 10 autograph card will command a massive premium over a PSA 8 or 9, but even a lower-grade autograph is valuable because of the signature's rarity.
Use AI pre-grading to scan the card's physical condition before submitting. The AI evaluates corners, edges, surface, and centering — the same criteria that affect the numerical grade. If the AI predicts a high grade, submit to PSA for both authentication and numerical grading. If the card has condition issues, PSA's Authentic slab still verifies the signature.
LCARS Frame Cards: Starfleet Interface Aesthetic
The LCARS (Library Computer Access and Retrieval System) frame treatment is one of the most visually distinctive card treatments in MTG history. The cards use the actual font and interface design from Star Trek's Starfleet computer systems, creating a look that is instantly recognizable to any Star Trek fan.
The LCARS treatment comes in two varieties:
- 29 LCARS character frame cards: Alternative versions of creatures from the set, reimagined with the Starfleet interface aesthetic.
- 10 LCARS shock lands: Full-art basic lands incorporating the LCARS font. Shock lands are competitively relevant across multiple formats, making these both collector and player targets.
Grading strategy for LCARS cards:
- LCARS shock lands are the priority: Shock lands see play in every format they are legal in. A PSA 10 LCARS shock land will have both collector and competitive demand, supporting a strong resale premium.
- Character frames of iconic Captains: LCARS versions of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, and other iconic characters will be the most sought-after character frame cards.
- Check centering on full-art cards: Full-art and borderless treatments have no frame to hide centering issues. Use the AI centering tool for precise measurements.
- Surface inspection under LED: The LCARS font and design may hide surface defects more than standard frames. Inspect under raking LED light at multiple angles.
Stardates Bonus Sheet: Reprints with Star Trek Art
The Stardates bonus sheet (set code SDS) features 30 reprints of powerful MTG staples reimagined with Star Trek artwork. These cards depict iconic moments from Star Trek's 60-year history while maintaining the mechanics of the original MTG cards.
The standout example is Koldred, the Apocalypse, reprinted as "Khan, Engineered Evil" — a reference to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This is the same Source Material Bonus Sheet format MTG has used before: take a card that already matters in Constructed, give it new art tied to the licensed property, and let players slot it into decks that need the power level.
Stardates cards are legal in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage (not Standard), unless the individual card already exists in other formats. This means the Stardates versions are primarily collector items, not competitive staples — but they are collector items of cards that are competitively relevant.
Grading strategy for Stardates:
- Grade the most iconic reprints: Stardates versions of cards like Koldred, the Apocalypse and other Constructed staples will have the highest collector demand.
- Foil versions are the priority: If Stardates cards have foil variants in Collector Boosters, those are the top grading targets.
- Consider the original card's value: A Stardates reprint of a $50+ card is worth grading. A Stardates reprint of a $5 card is not.
Classic Enterprise Variants: Vintage Poster Art
The Classic Enterprise treatment features 24 cards themed after the painted style of vintage Star Trek posters. These cards evoke the aesthetic of classic Star Trek movie posters and promotional art, creating a nostalgic collector experience that appeals to both MTG collectors and Star Trek fans.
Classic Enterprise variants are available in both normal and foil versions, found in Collector Boosters. The treatment is purely aesthetic — the cards are mechanically identical to their standard frame counterparts.
Grading strategy for Classic Enterprise:
- Foil versions are the priority: Foil Classic Enterprise cards combine two collector premiums (vintage art style + foil treatment) and will command the highest resale value.
- Iconic characters first: Classic Enterprise variants of Kirk, Spock, Picard, and other iconic characters will be the most sought-after.
- Grade as a themed set: Some collectors will want all 24 Classic Enterprise cards as a matched graded set. If you pull multiple clean copies, grading them creates a cohesive collection.
Use AI condition check to evaluate Classic Enterprise cards before submitting. The vintage art style may make surface defects harder to spot visually.
Scene Cards and Beam Me Up Bundle Exclusives
Beyond the main treatments, MTG | Star Trek includes 25 scene cards that can be pulled without buying standalone boxes. These cards form displayable panoramas when arranged together, similar to the Scene Box concept from The Hobbit set.
The Beam Me Up Bundle includes exclusive promo cards, each with 2 randomly selected variants from an 8-card set. These bundle exclusives are limited in availability and may carry collector value, especially if the variants feature iconic characters or treatments.
Grading strategy for scene cards and bundle exclusives:
- Scene cards of iconic moments: Scene cards depicting famous Star Trek scenes (the Kobayashi Maru, the Battle of Wolf 359, first contact) will have the highest collector demand.
- Bundle exclusive variants: If the 8-card variant set includes foil or special treatment versions, those are worth grading.
- Use batch grading: For scene cards that form a panorama, use the batch grading tool to scan multiple cards at once.
How to Grade Autograph Cards: Special Considerations
Autograph cards are fundamentally different from standard MTG cards when it comes to grading. The signature itself is the primary value driver, and grading companies handle autographs differently:
- PSA authenticates signatures: PSA is the preferred grader for autograph cards because they verify both the card's authenticity and the signature's authenticity. A PSA 10 autograph card with verified signature is the gold standard.
- BGS does not authenticate signatures: BGS will grade the card's condition but does not verify the signature. This means a BGS slab does not carry the same authentication weight as PSA for autograph cards.
- CGC offers signature verification: CGC has a signature verification program, but it is less recognized than PSA's in the trading card market.
- The signature area affects surface grading: The signature field replaces the text box, meaning surface defects in that area are more visible. Inspect the signature area carefully for smudging, fading, or ink transfer.
For MTG | Star Trek autograph cards, the recommended workflow is:
- Handle with cotton gloves. Autograph cards are extremely sensitive to fingerprints and surface damage.
- Scan with AI pre-grading. Use PreGradeCards AI to check physical condition before submitting.
- Submit to PSA. PSA authenticates both the card and the signature, maximizing resale value.
- Request PSA Autograph authentication. Make sure your submission form specifies autograph authentication so PSA verifies the signature.
With only ~200 copies of each autograph card, even a PSA 8 or 9 autograph will be valuable. But a PSA 10 autograph card — perfect condition with verified signature — could be one of the most valuable modern MTG cards in existence.
How AI Pre-Grading Saves Money on Star Trek Cards
AI pre-grading uses computer vision and deep learning to predict a card's likely grade before you send it to a professional grading company. The AI scans the front and back of the card, measures centering, detects corner wear, edge chipping, surface scratches, print lines, and foil clouding, then compares those findings against PSA, BGS, and CGC grading standards.
For Star Trek collectors, the financial case is clear:
- PSA Regular costs $80 per card as of July 2026, with Value tiers still paused.
- AI pre-grading costs about $0.19 per card. Screening 20 Star Trek pulls costs $3.80.
- PreGradeCards AI matches PSA grades within one point 88% of the time on MTG cards in 10,000-card benchmarks.
- Only 8.88% of cards submitted to PSA earn Gem Mint 10. AI filtering lets you submit only the cards with the best chance.
By removing the 60-70% of raw cards that are unlikely to earn a premium grade, AI pre-grading can reduce total grading costs by 40-60% while improving the average grade of your submissions.
For autograph cards, AI pre-grading is especially valuable because it tells you whether to submit for numerical grading or authentication only. If the AI predicts PSA 9 or 10, submit for the full grade. If it flags significant defects, submit for PSA Authentic to protect the card and verify the signature without risking a low numerical grade.
Pre-grade your MTG Star Trek cards now with PreGradeCards AI.
Which Star Trek Cards Should You Grade?
Not every card in MTG | Star Trek is worth grading. Focus on the cards with the highest upside and the cleanest condition. Here is the priority ranking:
- Tier 1 — Grade immediately: Actor-signed autograph cards (all 7 Captains), foil LCARS shock lands, foil Classic Enterprise variants of iconic characters.
- Tier 2 — Grade if clean: LCARS character frame cards of iconic Captains, foil Stardates reprints of $50+ staples, non-foil Classic Enterprise variants of iconic characters.
- Tier 3 — Grade selectively: Non-foil LCARS character frames, non-foil Stardates reprints, scene cards of iconic moments, Beam Me Up Bundle exclusive variants.
- Skip — Not worth grading: Commons, uncommons, non-foil standard frame rares below $50 raw value, basic lands (non-LCARS).
For autograph cards, always submit to PSA regardless of condition. Even a PSA 5 autograph card with verified signature is worth more than a raw autograph card because the authentication itself carries value.
PSA vs BGS vs CGC for Star Trek Cards
Choosing the right grading company depends on your goals. Here is how the major companies compare for Star Trek cards in 2026:
| Company | Cost | Turnaround | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | $80+ (Regular) | 40-90 days | Autograph authentication and resale value |
| BGS | $20-35 (Base) | 75+ days | Subgrades and Black Label 10 chase |
| CGC | $15-17 (Bulk/Economy) | 60-120 days | TCG cards and lower cost |
PSA is the clear choice for autograph cards. PSA authenticates signatures, which is essential for maximizing the resale value of the 7 actor-signed Captain cards. No other grading company offers the same level of signature authentication recognition in the trading card market.
BGS is ideal for LCARS and Classic Enterprise foils where you want subgrade detail or are chasing a Black Label 10. BGS's subgrade system gives you precise condition information that helps explain the grade to buyers.
CGC is the budget option for mid-value Star Trek cards like non-foil LCARS character frames and Stardates reprints. Use CGC where the PSA premium does not justify the higher fee.
Use AI pre-grading to decide which cards go to which company. The AI predicts grades for all three companies, so you can choose the company that maximizes your return on each card.
Market Outlook: Star Trek Cards in 2027
MTG | Star Trek releases into a unique market environment shaped by several factors:
- World Championship 32 overlap: MagicCon: Atlanta and World Championship 32 run November 13-15, the same weekend as the Star Trek release. This means competitive players and collectors will be in the same venue, driving demand for Star Trek chase cards.
- 60th anniversary timing: Star Trek's 60th anniversary celebration creates cross-demographic demand from Star Trek fans who may not typically collect MTG cards. This brings new buyers into the MTG secondary market.
- PSA backlog: As of July 2026, PSA's backlog is 11 million cards with Value tiers paused. Submitting Star Trek cards early (prerelease November 6-12) is critical to avoid extended turnaround times.
- 2027 release schedule: Three in-universe sets (Nauctis, Kamigawa: Titanbreach, Zhalfir) and three Universes Beyond sets are confirmed for 2027, meaning sustained demand for grading capacity.
- Autograph card scarcity: With only ~200 copies of each autograph card, the secondary market for these cards will be thin. Early graded copies will set the price floor.
The best window for grading Star Trek cards is immediately after prerelease (November 6-12). Submit autograph cards to PSA first, then submit other treatments based on AI pre-grading results. The autograph cards will be the defining collectibles of this set, and early PSA-graded copies will command the highest premiums.
Conclusion: Grade the Autographs, Authenticate the Rest
MTG | Star Trek is the most unique Universes Beyond set ever printed, combining actor-signed autograph cards, LCARS frame treatments, Stardates bonus sheet reprints, and Classic Enterprise variants into a single 280-card set. The autograph program alone makes this set historically significant — real signatures from William Shatner, Kate Mulgrew, and five other Star Trek actors on MTG cards is unprecedented.
For grading, the strategy is clear: submit autograph cards to PSA for signature authentication, use AI pre-grading to filter the rest of your pulls, and focus your grading budget on the treatments with the highest collector demand. At $0.19 per card, AI pre-grading is the cheapest insurance policy against wasted grading fees.
Whether you pulled a Shatner-signed Captain Kirk autograph, a foil LCARS shock land, or a Classic Enterprise foil of an iconic character, start with an AI pre-grade. You will save money, improve your average grade, and build a collection that celebrates 60 years of Star Trek in the most collectible format possible.
Pre-grade your MTG Star Trek cards now with PreGradeCards AI.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does MTG Star Trek release?
What are the rarest cards in MTG Star Trek?
What are LCARS frame cards in MTG Star Trek?
What is the Stardates bonus sheet?
Should I grade MTG Star Trek autograph cards with PSA?
How much does it cost to grade MTG Star Trek cards?
Are MTG Star Trek cards legal in Standard?
Sources & Further Reading
- Wizards of the Coast — Collecting Star Trek
- The Cardboard Chronicles — MTG Star Trek Reveal
- Draftsim — Star Trek Cards, Mechanics, and Set Info
- PreGradeCards AI Grading Accuracy Study
- Screen Rant — MTG Star Trek Set Release Date & Cards
The PreGradeCards Research Team combines machine-learning engineers, grading analysts, and collector-education specialists to produce accurate, data-driven guides on AI card grading, professional grading standards, and collecting strategy.
With submission floors rising, pre-screening is no longer optional. Use our AI Pre-Grade Calculator to score a card's PSA 10 odds before you pay, and the Submission Planner to pick the right tier.