The Japanese Quick Starter Gift Set Zapdos is one of the most interesting vintage Japanese Zapdos cards from the late 1990s.
Released in 1998, this card came from the Japanese-exclusive Quick Starter Gift Set. Unlike the regular Vending Machine version, this Zapdos has a matte finish and a holofoil pattern, making it immediately recognizable.
The artwork was illustrated by Naoyo Kimura, and the card features Pokédex No. 145.
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What Makes This Zapdos Special?
The Quick Starter Gift Set was released exclusively in Japan and contained two decks: the Red Deck and Green Deck.
Most of the cards were reprints of Vending Machine cards, but several cards received special holofoil versions. Zapdos, Articuno, Moltres, Scyther, and Master Ball are among the standout cards from the set.
The Quick Starter Zapdos is particularly easy to overlook because the artwork is based on the Vending Machine version. The holo treatment and matte card stock are what make this version special.
A Great Vintage Zapdos to Collect
If you collect vintage Japanese Pokémon cards, this is an especially interesting Zapdos to add to your collection.
It is also part of a small group of special holo cards from the Quick Starter Gift Set, making collecting all of the cards from this group a fun challenge.
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