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Zapdos

Card 16/102

Zapdos — the Base Set (1999) holo, the original Zapdos card and a 1st Edition vintage chase.

Base SetSet
1999Released
Rare HoloRarity
Ken SugimoriIllustrator

01Card Stats

Basic
HP 90
TypeLightning
RarityRare Holo
IllustratorKen Sugimori
Retreat●●●
SetBase Set
Released1999

02Editions and Print Runs

Printed in the WotC era when 1st Edition, Shadowless, and Unlimited distinctions still applied.

1st Edition

How to spot it: 1st Edition stamp in the bottom-left of the artwork frame.

First print window; smaller run than Unlimited.

Shadowless

How to spot it: No drop shadow on the right and bottom of the artwork box; thinner, lighter frame.

Early Unlimited sub-print between 1st Edition and Unlimited; scarcer than standard Unlimited.

Unlimited

How to spot it: No 1st Edition stamp; standard print frame.

Most common version of this card.

04Variants and Foiling

Rarity tiers
Rare Holo
Foiling
Holo version with the holo pattern applied to the artwork.
Alt art / specials
No full-art, secret rare, or alternate-art version documented for this print.

05Language and Regional Versions

English
Standard English release.
Japanese
Released in the equivalent Japanese set.
European
Localized European prints exist with translated text.
Other
No documented language-exclusive errors or major regional variants.

06Current Market Value

Holo1st Edition ~$370 raw · PSA 10 ~$8,605 (PriceCharting realized, May 2026)

Verified against PriceCharting eBay-sold prices (May 2026).

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07Why Collectors Want It

  • The original Zapdos holo from Base Set (1999) — a foundational WotC-era legendary-bird card.
  • 1st Edition copies are the premium variant, carrying the prized 1st Edition stamp.
  • One of the iconic legendary-bird holos every vintage collector wants.
  • 1st Edition verified ~$370 raw, PSA 10 ~$8,605 (PriceCharting, May 2026).
  • Base Set holo foil and centering make gem-mint 1st Editions scarce.

08Competitive Playability

Tier: Niche

Basic Zapdos with 90 HP; top attack near 100 damage — playable in casual or rogue lists, not a competitive staple.

09Card Moves and Abilities

Thunder Cost: Lightning + Lightning + Lightning + Colorless · 60 damage

Flip a coin. If tails, Zapdos does 30 damage to itself.

Thunderbolt Cost: Lightning + Lightning + Lightning + Lightning · 100 damage

Discard all Energy cards attached to Zapdos in order to use this attack.

Resistance
Fighting -30
Retreat cost
3

10Grading and Population

PSA 10 estimate: 1st Edition PSA 10 ~$8,605 against ~$370 raw (PriceCharting realized, May 2026).

Base Set holo foil shows scratching and centering runs tight, so gem-mint 1st Editions are scarce.

Other graders: PSA leads resale on Base Set holos; BGS and CGC examples trade beneath an equivalent PSA 10.

More Zapdos cards

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