1999 62 cards

Prehistoric Power

The third expansion unearthed ancient Pokemon like Aerodactyl, Kabutops, and the mysterious Mew alongside fan-favorite Gengar and Dragonite.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

base3

Difficulty

3/5 to complete

Avg Card Value

Market average

Top Card

1st Edition Gengar Holo

$700+

Rarity Tier

Rare

Overview

Fossil is the third Pokemon TCG expansion, released October 10, 1999. It features 62 cards centered around prehistoric and mysterious Pokemon. The set introduced Mysterious Fossil as a trainer-to-Pokemon evolution mechanic and included the elusive Mew.

Best for

Collectors after Gengar, Dragonite, and legendary bird holos
Completing the original WOTC trilogy (Base / Jungle / Fossil)

Skip this path if

You confuse Fossil holos with later reprints of the same Pokemon

Common mistakes

Paying vintage Fossil prices for modern reprints, or ignoring 1st Edition on Gengar and the birds. Skeleton-fist set symbol is the quick membership check.

What to check first

Verify Fossil set symbol, edition, and holo status on Gengar / Dragonite / birds, then condition.

Top of the chart

Most valuable cards

Holographic Dragonite (#4) and Gengar (#5) are the standout chase cards. The Mew promo card associated with this era is iconic. Hypno (#8) and Haunter (#6) holos are also collected. 1st Edition PSA 10 Dragonite can sell for over $10,000.

Zubat

Mr. Fuji

Energy Search

Gambler

Recycle

Mysterious Fossil

Full Collection

Cards from Fossil

Tap any card to see price history and details.

28 of 62

Browse all 62 cards

Tips to finish the set

Fossil is a small 62-card set, making it one of the most accessible WOTC-era sets to complete. Like Jungle, non-holo rare versions exist for the holos. Focus on the 15 holos as your final targets for a complete master set.

Step by step

How to Complete This Set

01

Scan your Fossil collection to identify all variants
02

Look for the skeleton fist set symbol on each card
03

Track 1st Edition vs Unlimited for accurate pricing
04

Focus on completing the holo subset first for maximum value

Scan with the app

Pokex scanner recognizes the Fossil set symbol (a skeletal claw) and helps authenticate 1st Edition prints. It is particularly useful for detecting condition issues like holo scratching that affect Fossil card values.

FAQ

Common questions

01 What is the rarest card in the Fossil set?

The 1st Edition holographic Dragonite (#4) in mint condition is the most valuable Fossil card. Gengar holo 1st Edition is a close second due to Gengar's massive fan following.

02 What is the Fossil set symbol?

The Fossil set symbol is a skeletal claw or fossil footprint, printed in the lower-right corner of the card art box.

03 Is the Fossil Mew card valuable?

The Fossil Mew (#8 non-holo or promo variants) is popular among collectors. While not the most expensive card in the set, its iconic status keeps demand and value consistent.

04 How many 1st Edition Fossil booster boxes were printed?

Exact print numbers are unknown, but 1st Edition Fossil had a larger print run than Base Set 1st Edition. Sealed 1st Edition booster boxes still sell for $5,000–$15,000 depending on condition.