Description:

This collectible phone card features the front side with two plush bears known as Quarter Bears, part of a themed series celebrating different states. These bears represent the state of Illinois. The bear on the left faces forward, showcasing its deep green color and distinctive details. Embroidered on its chest is the text “ILLINOIS 1818,” marking the year Illinois became a state. Below, the number “21” appears, possibly indicating this bear’s series or version within the collection. A small American flag patch on its lower left side symbolizes patriotism and highlights Illinois’s significance in U.S. history. A circular tag hanging from its ear displays the year 2003, likely indicating the release or copyright date of this collectible.

Adjacent to the first bear, a second identical bear faces backward, revealing a patch on its rear side. This patch features an emblem representing Illinois, depicting a bird—probably an eagle, a common American symbol—surrounded by greenery, with the state name stitched below. The meticulous stitching adds authenticity and craftsmanship to the piece. Together, the two bears offer a front and back view, allowing collectors to appreciate every detail, from embroidered insignias to sewn-in patches. Their plush texture suggests softness, evoking childhood nostalgia and fostering state pride.

The card’s background is a rich, solid purple, providing a vivid contrast to the green bears and imparting a regal or commemorative tone. To the right, the card’s title prominently reads “QUARTER BEARS™ Illinois 1818,” emphasizing both the collection’s name and the state it honors. Beneath this, the phrase “COMMOMORATIVE PREPAID PHONE CARDS” is printed in bright yellow, clearly indicating the card’s dual role as a collectible and a functional phone card. Just below, an image of the Illinois quarter features the state outline with a rider on horseback and the year 2003, connecting the bears to the U.S. quarter series dedicated to states. The AT&T logo appears in the bottom right corner, reminding users of the card’s telecommunications purpose.

At the bottom, small print notes the production year (“©2003 Timeless Toys, Inc.™”) and provides user details. It states that this “5-minute AT&T Phone Card” service is valid within the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, with rates varying by location. This practical information balances the card’s collectible appeal with its original utility, blending nostalgia with functionality from the early 2000s era before widespread mobile phone use. The combination of state pride, collectible artistry, and telecommunications functionality makes this card a fascinating artifact of early 2000s pop culture.

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The back side of the phone card continues the purple theme and focuses on technical and usage information, balancing the front’s decorative appeal with essential user instructions. The top section features the traditional “ATT” logo aligned on the left, confirming the service provider and reassuring users of the card’s legitimacy. Below, centered, is a series of alphanumeric characters, likely the card’s unique identification or activation code, necessary for its use. This helps ensure security and prevent unauthorized access.

Further down, the majority of the back is dedicated to user instructions and warnings. These include how to make calls using the card, any usage limitations, and customer service contact details in case of issues. Terms like “Valid only for use within the USA, Canada, and Caribbean” clarify geographic restrictions, consistent with the front side. The instructions also remind users that rates may vary, emphasizing the card’s nature as a prepaid calling option rather than a flat-rate service.

The bottom portion features a magnetic strip running horizontally, which is typical for phone cards of this type. The strip stores the data needed to authorize and track the prepaid minutes on the card. Its presence confirms the card’s original functionality as a telecommunications tool, in addition to its collectible appeal.

Overall, the back provides the essential practical details and infrastructure needed for the card’s use as a prepaid phone card, presented in a clean and organized layout. Together, both sides showcase a thoughtful blend of collectible charm and functional design.

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.