Description:

This collectible phone card from the Arizona Coin Wampum Expo, held May 15-18, 1996, stands out as a unique artifact blending Native American cultural heritage with numismatic interests. The card features a bold banner that originally read "ARIZONA COIN EXPO," with the word "COIN" crossed out in red and replaced by "WAMPUM," highlighting the significance of traditional Native American currency alongside modern coin collecting. The event’s location, Phoenix, Arizona, is prominently displayed, underscoring its connection to the Southwest’s rich indigenous history. This phone card captures a moment when Native American arts and the collector community intersected, emphasizing Arizona’s role in promoting these cultural treasures.

At the center of the design is a charming cartoon depiction of a Native American man reclining against a desert backdrop, evoking Arizona’s iconic landscapes. The figure is dressed in traditional attire, featuring vibrant patterns on his headband, necklace, and loincloth that draw inspiration from indigenous artistic motifs. His relaxed pose, with a thumb raised in approval, creates a friendly and approachable tone, blending humor with respect for Native American heritage. This playful yet respectful cartoon serves as a visual focal point, appealing to collectors interested in the arts and cultural exhibits associated with the Wampum and Arizona Coin Expo.

Near the cartoon figure, a paint can marked "10 UNITS" adds another layer of interest for phone card enthusiasts. The "10u" designation refers to the prepaid value for making phone calls, making the card both functional and collectible. This detail reflects the innovative ways promotional items were used during the era to engage diverse communities. Companies like Frontier Communications and Phonecard Express played key roles in distributing these specialized phone cards, which doubled as souvenirs from prominent regional expos and coin shows. This card’s design thoughtfully integrates numismatic and telecommunication histories while honoring Arizona’s native heritage.

Overall, the Arizona Coin Wampum Expo collectible phone card is a striking mid-1990s artifact that embodies the cultural and commercial spirit of the event. Its fusion of Native American cartoon art, Southwestern desert imagery, and thematic focus on coins, wampum, and phone cards makes it a prized addition for collectors of Arizona memorabilia, Native American arts, and numismatic history.

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.