Aerodactyl No.142 - Mystery of the Fossils (Near Mint)

Aerodactyl No.142 — 1997 Japanese Mystery of the Fossils Holo Rare (Near Mint)

One of the most game-defining Pokémon Powers ever printed lives on this card. Aerodactyl No.142 carries Prehistoric Power — a board-locking ability that prevents all Evolution cards from being played for as long as it is in play — making it a strategic cornerstone of early competitive Pokémon TCG and an obsession for vintage collectors to this day.

This is the 1997 Japanese Mystery of the Fossils edition — the original Japanese counterpart to the English Fossil expansion, released on June 21, 1997, a full two years before Fossil hit Western shelves. The set spans 48 cards, all issued with rarity symbols, and features the classic starlight holofoil treatment that defined this era of the game.

Aerodactyl is a Stage 1 Fighting-type that evolves from the Mysterious Fossil trainer card, carries 60 HP, and swings with a three-colorless Wing Attack for 30 damage. The card was illustrated by the legendary Kagemaru Himeno, whose art defines the Fossil-era aesthetic.

What you're hunting:

• Aerodactyl No.142 Holo Rare — the Prehistoric Power lock piece
• Dragonite No.149 Holo Rare — set's crown jewel and highest-value pull
• Kabutops No.141 Holo Rare — currently the top trending card in the set
• Moltres No.146, Articuno, Raichu — the holo rare collection anchors
• Mew & Mysterious Fossil trainer — high-demand set staples

Vintage Japanese Pokémon in genuine Near Mint condition is increasingly scarce. Cards from this 1997 print run show sharp corners, clean surfaces, and full holo integrity — exactly the standard PSA and CGC reward with top-tier grades. Collectors targeting complete Mystery of the Fossils holo sets and vintage Japanese Pokémon singles are hunting NM raw copies now before they disappear into slabs permanently.

Available at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. All sales final. Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.