Mystery of the Fossils化石の秘密

Released
1997-06-21
Base set
6$39.82. Near-mint market prices under 30 days old, before condition, fees and postage. Covers all 6 cards.
Full set
48$914.07. Near-mint market prices under 30 days old, before condition, fees and postage. Covers all 48 cards.
Master set
48$914.07. Near-mint market prices under 30 days old, before condition, fees and postage. Covers all 48 unique printings in master set.
Code
BASE3_JA
Symbol

The master set counts 32 Normal and 16 Holofoil. No card comes in more than one of them, so the master set is the same size as the full set.

Mystery of the Fossils 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.

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The compact Japanese checklist contains 16 holographic rares and no duplicated non-holographic versions, making its group of headline cards unusually concentrated. 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 game. Mystery of the Fossils 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. The English *Fossil* expansion added non-holographic versions of most rare cards and moved Mew to a promotional release, so its checklist is related but not identical.