This listing is for an authentic BETA ARTIST PROOF Black Lotus.  The beta artist proofs are the first set of MTG proofs ever made.  They were printed along with the Collector's Edition cards and so they include cards that are missing from the alpha set such as COP Black and Volcanic Island.  They were given to the original artists as trinkets, or perhaps thank you's for their work.  I've heard stories they were used as business cards or book marks, or sometimes were just thrown away (like Richard Thomas proofs basically don't exist he trashed his).  They are some of the rarest collectibles in Magic (at most 50 of each exist, some artists report receiving less than 50 of each), and for the Christopher Rush cards the signed ones or ones with art on the back are the most rare (he didn't sign many).  They carry a heavy premium over the non signed copies.  

Black Lotus is unique in that Post Malone is famous for buying one of these and discussing it on Howard Stern and elsewhere for $800,000.  His version of the card was signed, but another sold privately for $700,000 afterwards.  A third copy sold on Heritage that was signed on the front (not signed or numbered on the back) for $615,000.  This one is unique in that it was signed and numbered on the back 4 of 50 by Chris Rush. 

Buyer will receive the exact card pictured as shown.  Feel free to inquire on ig at dfwmagic if you need more questions answered.

*This is my standard info it may or may not pertain to this auction*

Shipped cards will be packaged carefully and sent boxed in the United States via USPS flat rate boxes or internationally boxed via USPS or Fedex depending on the price of the item being sold.  

For sales of significant value I will need to confirm your purchase, verify your identity, and arrange shipping or delivery to be done in person.  *This card I would absolutely want to deliver in person to guarantee there are no mishaps with shipping*