Fossil 1st Edition Pokemon Packs – Classic Hits and the Weight Game
After the explosive success of the Base Set and Jungle, the release of Fossil 1st Edition in October 1999 marked the third expansion of the English-language Pokemon TCG. Printed by Wizards of the Coast, this set introduced 62 cards, making it the smallest of the original trio, but packed with fan favorites and competitive cards alike.
Fossil continues the legacy with the first appearance of legendary birds, classic Kanto Pokemon, and nostalgic holofoils. Sealed packs today are sought after not only for their rarity but also for their potential holographic hits — and as with other vintage packs, weight matters.
What Is the Fossil 1st Edition Set?
Fossil 1st Edition packs contain 11 cards, and each card has a black “1st Edition” stamp. It was the final English set to include only Gen 1 Pokemon. The theme of the set was prehistoric and ancient creatures — hence the name Fossil. It came in three wrapper artworks:
- Zapdos
- Aerodactyl
- Lapras
- Year Released: 1999
- Total Cards: 62
- Holographic Cards: 10
Key Holographic Chase Cards
Here are the most valuable holos collectors hunt in Fossil 1st Edition:
- Dragonite #4/62 (Top chase card)
- Gengar #5/62
- Lapras #10/62
- Zapdos #15/62
- Articuno #2/62
- Moltres #12/62
- Raichu #14/62
- Hitmonlee #7/62
- Magneton #11/62
- Kabutops #9/62
Dragonite and Gengar are the most prized, especially in PSA 10 condition.
Weighing Fossil 1st Edition Packs
Like other early WOTC sets, Fossil packs can be weighed to estimate the presence of a holofoil. Due to the smaller set size and fewer holos (only 10), weighing is slightly more predictable.
Weight ranges:
- Heavy packs: ~21.2g to 21.4g
- Light packs: ~20.5g to 20.8g
Expectations:
- 1 in 3 packs (12 out of 36 in a box) will contain a holo
- Heavy packs have a significantly higher chance of containing a holographic rare
Remember, packs must be untampered and ideally pulled from a sealed box for weights to be accurate.
Competitive Cards in the Set
Fossil wasn’t just collectible — it introduced several cards that influenced early gameplay:
- Muk (disables Pokemon Powers)
- Hitmonlee (strong single-energy attacks)
- Gengar (damage movement strategies)
- Energy Search (trainer staple)
Popular Non-Holo Cards
Even non-holo rares and uncommons from Fossil have collector value, especially in 1st Edition. Examples include:
- Ditto (fun gameplay and unique design)
- Aerodactyl (non-holo version still sought after)
- Mysterious Fossil (theme-setting item card)
Should You Open or Keep Sealed?
Sealed Fossil 1st Edition packs are increasing in value, especially when authenticated and graded. Opening one for a shot at Dragonite or Gengar is tempting — but many collectors keep them sealed as investment pieces.
If you do open, a heavy pack gives you roughly a 1-in-10 shot at the most valuable cards. It’s high risk, high reward — and maximum nostalgia.
Fossil’s Place in History
Fossil 1st Edition may be small, but it’s mighty. With iconic Pokemon, strong competitive cards, and a short print run, it remains one of the most collectible sets from the Wizards era. Whether you’re buying sealed, hunting holos, or reliving the magic of 1999, Fossil has something timeless to offer.
Stay tuned to PokemonTCGCardPacks.com for upcoming Fossil listings, rarity guides, and authenticated sealed inventory.