Fossil

Released
1999-10-10
Base set
62$1,206.42. Near-mint market prices under 30 days old, before condition, fees and postage. Covers all 62 cards.
Full set
62$1,206.42. Near-mint market prices under 30 days old, before condition, fees and postage. Covers all 62 cards.
Master set
62$1,206.42. Near-mint market prices under 30 days old, before condition, fees and postage. Covers all 62 unique printings in master set.
Code
FO
Symbol

The master set counts each of its 62 cards once, in any card. It leaves out 47 First Edition, 47 Unlimited, 15 First Edition Holofoil, 15 Unlimited Holofoil and 3 more in 3 other printings.

Fossil explores the ancient and mysterious side of the original Pokémon world. Its card list combines resurrected Pokémon such as Aerodactyl, Kabutops, and Omastar with cave-dwellers, ghosts, and legendary creatures. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres appear together, while Dragonite, Gengar, Lapras, and Ditto give the set an unusually concentrated lineup of fan favourites. The darker caves, ruins, and prehistoric imagery create a distinctive contrast to the brighter natural setting of Jungle. It adapts Japan’s Mystery of the Fossils, adding non-holographic rares while moving Mew to an English promotional release.

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Like Jungle, the set includes both holographic and non-holographic versions of its rare cards, making the main collection straightforward but satisfying to complete. Its relatively small size also made it one of the most accessible early expansions. Dragonite and Gengar are enduring highlights, while the legendary birds form one of the first obvious thematic groups in the English game. Fossil completed much of the original Kanto Pokédex and remains remembered as a compact vintage set with a strong identity and an exceptionally memorable selection of Pokémon.