Description:

The first image features the cover of the "1997 Catalog of U.S. & Canadian Prepaid Phone, Cash & Transit Cards" by MoneyCard Collector, Edition One. The cover is predominantly purple and showcases a variety of collectible phone cards alongside familiar icons and pop culture references from the 1990s. These cards include a Coca-Cola-themed card referencing the "Real Hot Summer," a Nintendo Power phone card featuring Mario, a Gillette-themed card, and a promotional card for the TV show *Friends* highlighting the cast. Additional cards depict a panda bear with the Chinese flag, a Visa stored-value card, and an iconic image of basketball legend Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls logo. These images represent the diverse range of collectible phone cards, including brand promotions, pop culture memorabilia, and functional prepaid phone and cash cards. The cover offers a nostalgic glimpse into the late 20th-century collectible card phenomenon, presented in a sturdy, reference-book style.

The second image provides a close-up of a catalog page titled "Vista-United continued," displaying detailed listings of individual prepaid phone cards. Each entry includes descriptions, issue dates, quantities, expiration dates, card types, print runs, and pricing for both mint and used conditions. These meticulous listings give insight into the collector’s market and illustrate how values fluctuate based on condition and rarity. The page features Disney Credit Card promotions, Vista Rainbow stock cards, and the "Back to School 101" series, along with other themed cards like "Winter in Florida" and "Florida Palm Trees & Sun." Prices range from as low as $20 to several hundred dollars, reflecting the varying rarity and desirability among collectors. The organized format allows enthusiasts to easily identify individual cards from the Vista-United line, a prominent issuer during this period.

The detailed descriptions on this page highlight various card types, including “VIS” (Visa cards) and “IM” (likely indicating internal mint or issued versions). Notes about common errors and variations—such as misnumbered cards or different back labels—further enhance its usefulness. This level of detail demonstrates the catalog’s role as an essential tool for both casual collectors and industry professionals. Including expiration dates and serial numbers helps verify authenticity and assess market value. The catalog balances visual appeal with technical data, providing a comprehensive perspective on these collectibles.

Overall, these images showcase the scope and depth of the 1997 MoneyCard catalog, which functions not only as a guide but also as a historical artifact documenting an era when prepaid phone cards were both practical tools and collectible commodities. The cards themselves blend popular culture, advertising, and utility, creating a unique niche within the collectibles market. This catalog offers valuable insights into valuation, provenance, and context, supporting the hobby’s growth by clarifying the diversity of products issued by companies like Vista-United. For those interested in the intersection of telecommunications history and collectible card markets, this catalog serves as a valuable and insightful reference.

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.