Dragonite Fossil: The Original Dragon
Discover the history of the Dragonite Fossil holographic card, the first Dragon-type powerhouse in the Pokemon TCG and a crown jewel of the Fossil expansion.
Dragonite Fossil: The Crown Jewel of the Fossil Set
The Dragonite Fossil holo (4/62) is widely regarded as the most valuable and desirable card in the Fossil expansion. As the final evolution of Dratini and the original pseudo-legendary Pokemon, Dragonite carried an aura of prestige that few cards could match. Collectors in Sacramento, San Francisco, and across Northern California consider Dragonite Fossil a must-have for any serious vintage collection.
Card Design and Pokemon Power
Dragonite was a Stage 2 Colorless-type Pokemon with an impressive 100 HP, the highest in the Fossil set. Its real power came from its unique Pokemon Power:
- Step In (Pokemon Power): Once during your turn, if Dragonite is on your bench, you may switch it with your Active Pokemon
- Slam (40x damage): Flip 2 coins, this attack does 40 damage times the number of heads
- Weakness: None
- Resistance: Fighting (-30)
- Retreat Cost: 1 Energy
Step In: A Revolutionary Mechanic
Dragonite's Step In ability was revolutionary for the early Pokemon TCG. It allowed players to freely switch Dragonite from the bench to the active position without using a Switch Trainer card or paying retreat costs. This created incredible strategic flexibility, letting players stall with a tank like Dragonite while building up attackers on the bench. The ability essentially gave you a free Switch every turn, a mechanic that was unprecedented in 1999.
Market Value and Investment Potential
Dragonite Fossil is the most valuable card in the Fossil set and has seen impressive price growth. PSA 9 Unlimited copies typically sell for $80-$150, while 1st Edition PSA 10 copies have reached $4,000-$8,000 at auction. The card benefits from Dragonite's enduring popularity across all Pokemon media, from the anime film Pokemon: The Movie 2000 to modern video games. Collectors in the Bay Area, San Jose, and Oakland have driven strong demand for high-grade copies.
The Kagemaru Himeno Illustration
The Fossil Dragonite was illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno, one of the most celebrated Pokemon card artists. The artwork shows Dragonite soaring above clouds with a warm, friendly expression, perfectly capturing the gentle giant's personality. This illustration has become one of the most recognizable images in all of Pokemon card collecting and contributes significantly to the card's desirability.
If you own a Dragonite Fossil holo, you may be sitting on a valuable card. Get a free quote from PokemonBuySell.com to find out what your card is worth. We buy vintage Pokemon cards from collectors in Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, and across the United States. Browse our set guides for the complete Fossil expansion breakdown.
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