Description:(This description is AI generated and may contain inaccuracies.)
This collectible phone card showcases a distinctive design that closely resembles a Maryland license plate, a nostalgic symbol of Americana and Northeastern U.S. culture. Branded as a "LONG DISTANCE PREPAID CARD," it offers ten minutes of prepaid calling time. Although it mimics an automotive license plate, the card clearly states it is NOT A METAL LICENSE PLATE, but rather a collectible inspired by Maryland’s vehicle registration plates. The central design features a simulated plate reading "ABC 123," flanked by stylized "MO" and "YR" boxes in the upper left and right corners, evoking the typical month and year sticker placements found on real plates.
At the center of the plate is the Maryland state coat of arms—a heraldic shield divided into quarters with alternating red-and-white crosses and yellow-and-black patterns. This iconic emblem, rich in historical symbolism, reflects Maryland’s colonial heritage. Its presence on the card underscores the connection to the state, appealing to collectors of state-themed memorabilia and automotive license plates alike. The word “Maryland” is prominently displayed at the top center in a classic, elegant script reminiscent of the official font style used on authentic license plates, enhancing the card’s visual authenticity.
The card’s design is clean and purposeful, framed by a thin black border that neatly contains the license plate graphic, giving it a polished appearance. Below the plate, the card specifies "10 minutes," indicating the prepaid calling time available. This practical feature places the card within the broader category of long distance dialing service (LDDS) phone cards that were popular before the widespread adoption of mobile phones. As such, it captures both automotive Americana nostalgia and telecommunications history, bridging two important aspects of 20th-century American culture.
Collectors will appreciate this Maryland license plate phone card for its blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Unlike actual metal plates, this card served a temporary, utilitarian purpose while celebrating Maryland’s distinct identity through its iconic design. Its status as a used phone card adds to its authentic charm and collectible value, representing a bygone era of prepaid phone cards rooted in regional pride and Americana automotive culture. For enthusiasts of Northeastern U.S. memorabilia and automotive license plates, this item is a noteworthy addition.
Since we have the world's largest inventory of USA phonecards for collectors, you will not necessarily receive the identical serial/batch/PIN number that we have scanned/pictured.
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