Description:

This collectible set of phone cards serves as a captivating tribute to the 1997 TeleCard World event held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Each card is uniquely die-cut into the shape of a classic yellow NYC taxi cab, symbolizing one of the city’s most iconic elements: its transportation system and the ubiquitous yellow taxi. The front of each card features colorful, cartoon-style portraits of various famous personalities, humorously depicted as cab drivers, complete with speech bubbles endorsing the event. The bold yellow and black checkerboard pattern echoes the traditional taxi design, making these cards instantly recognizable and visually striking for collectors—particularly those interested in automotive themes, cabs, and New York City culture.

The personalities showcased on these cards represent a diverse array of icons from entertainment and culture, adding both decorative appeal and storytelling depth to the set. Spock appears with his classic Vulcan greeting, “Live long and prosper at the show!” embodying the sci-fi fandom that often overlaps with collectible card and memorabilia events. Legendary film critics Siskel & Ebert are depicted together, humorously giving “two thumbs up for the show,” emphasizing the positive reception and promotion of the event. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is shown thanking attendees, while boxing legend Don King boasts, “NOBODY promotes better than THIS show!”—a clever nod to his promotional prowess and the vibrant energy of the expo. Lastly, classic Western star John Wayne, calling attendees to “Saddle up and mosey on down to the show, Pilgrim!” adds a nostalgic Americana touch to the collection.

On the back, the cards retain their die-cut taxi shape and display essential customer service and usage information typical of collectible phone cards from that era. This includes toll-free customer service numbers, card expiration date (December 31, 1997), and step-by-step instructions for phone use—reflecting a time before widespread mobile phone adoption when prepaid cards were vital for affordable long-distance calls. Each card is marked with a unique serial number out of only 500 printed, emphasizing its limited edition status and making this set a rare find for collectors. The "Continental Plastic Card" branding and contact details indicate the manufacturer and connect this series to Cable & Wireless, a major player in prepaid telecommunications during the 1990s.

Overall, this set captures a vibrant blend of New York City’s transportation symbolism, mid-20th-century pop culture icons, and the niche world of collectible phone cards popular at expos like TeleCard World 1997. The playful cartoon art style offers a nostalgic glimpse into the mid-90s, when such collectibles were highly prized and showcased at specialized collector shows. These cards not only evoke the spirit of New York City through their depiction of yellow taxis but also celebrate the intersection of entertainment, technology, and collectible art forms—making them a must-have for enthusiasts of telecommunications memorabilia, famous personalities, and NYC’s rich cultural icons.

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.