Zapdos – Fossil (#15)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Zapdos (#15) is a Rare Holo card from Base - Fossil released in 1999. It showcases artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita and the Thunderstorm attack (40 damage), For each of your opponent's Benched Pokémon, flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 20 damage to that Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.) Then, Zapdos does 10 damage times the number of tails to itself.. Cardmarket average sale is €23.08, Floor listings start near €4.50.
- Cardmarket trend price: €30.49
- Recent low listing: €4.50
Card Details
- Set
- Fossil
- Card Number
- 15
- Rarity
- ✨ Rare Holo
- Illustrator
- 🎨 Mitsuhiro Arita
- HP
- 80
- Type
- ⚡ Lightning
- Resistances
- Fighting -30
- Retreat Cost
- 2 (Colorless, Colorless)
Attacks & Strategy
-
Thunderstorm
[Lightning, Lightning, Lightning, Lightning]
— 40
For each of your opponent's Benched Pokémon, flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 20 damage to that Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.) Then, Zapdos does 10 damage times the number of tails to itself.
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Zapdos from Fossil (Rare Holo) represents a solid addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 1999, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita.
Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.
Investment Considerations: Vintage cards from this era have shown strong long-term appreciation potential.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Zapdos 15 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.
Key Attack: Zapdos's Thunderstorm deals 40 damage for Lightning + Lightning + Lightning + Lightning energy. Special effect: For each of your opponent's Benched Pokémon, flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 20 damage to th...
Stats Overview: 80 HP • Lightning Type • Resistant to Fighting -30
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Zapdos Cards
Looking for other Zapdos cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fossil #15 ← Current | 80 | 1 attack | Rare Holo | N/A |
�📦 Fossil Set Context
This Zapdos is part of the Fossil expansion , released as part of the Base series in 1999.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, whose distinctive illustration style has made their cards highly collectible. Explore more cards illustrated by this artist to discover similar art styles and collecting themes.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Zapdos card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 1.5-3x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Card value exceeds $20 and is in excellent condition
- Grading cost: $20-100+ per card (depending on service level)
- Break-even point: Card should be worth $50+ raw to justify grading costs
- Turnaround time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on service
Collector Notes
- Rare Holo cards from Fossil are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by Mitsuhiro Arita resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Lightning typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
More from Fossil
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Zapdos 15 was released in 1999 in the Fossil expansion. This set is part of the Base series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by Mitsuhiro Arita. This artist is known for creating premium illustration rare and special rare artwork that collectors highly value. View complete portfolio →
Set Popularity: Fossil is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.
Competitive History: Lightning type Pokémon like Zapdos have carved out niches in various competitive formats throughout Pokémon TCG history. Currently legal in Unlimited format.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Zapdos card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Lightning energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Zapdos works best in Lightning type decks.