Collector’s Guide: Articuno (Fossil #2, Rare Holo)

Quick Facts

• Pokémon: Articuno
• Set: Fossil (base3)
• Card Number: 2
• Rarity: Rare Holo
• HP: 70
• Type: Water
• Stage: Basic
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
• Legality: unknown

Articuno is a legendary bird Pokémon featured in the Fossil set as a Basic Water-type with 70 HP. It has two attacks: Freeze Dry, which can paralyze the opponent’s Active Pokémon, and Blizzard, which deals damage to all Benched Pokémon depending on a coin flip.

Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Fossil set, identified by the set code “base3” and card number 2. It is a Rare Holo card illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, known for his iconic artwork in early Pokémon TCG sets.

Variants & Identifiers

• Set Name: Fossil
• Set Code: base3
• Card Number: 2
• Rarity: Rare Holo
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
• Type: Water
• Stage: Basic
• Retreat Cost: 2
• Resistance: Fighting (-30)
• Weakness: None listed
• Print Variants: None known for this exact printing
• Regulation Mark: None

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the value and condition of this Rare Holo Articuno card:

• Store in a protective sleeve and hard top-loader or card case.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of holofoil and card colors.
• Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Handle by edges to prevent fingerprints and surface wear.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Fossil Set: Released as one of the early expansions, the Fossil set introduced several legendary Pokémon including Articuno. This card captures Articuno’s icy theme with Water-type attacks and a classic Mitsuhiro Arita illustration. It remains a sought-after collectible for fans of the original expansions.