Description:

This collectible phone card features a vivid front design that captures the essence of an American Southwestern desert scene, blending nostalgic comic book artistry with bold, contrasting colors and intricate details. Prominently displayed near the top left is a large billboard advertising the "American Tele-Card Expo," held in San Antonio, Texas, from June 1-3, 1988. The billboard’s sharp lettering against a red block background immediately draws attention, suggesting that the card was either a promotional item or a commemorative keepsake for the event. Adding a playful, almost surreal touch, a cat is perched atop the billboard, while another leaps in the upper right corner, injecting whimsy into the otherwise desolate landscape.

The background showcases layered mesas and plateaus reminiscent of the iconic American Southwest, rendered in warm shades of orange, red, and brown, which contrast strikingly with the deep blue sky above. A hot air balloon floats serenely beside the billboard, evoking a sense of adventure and exploration—fitting the theme of a “next stop.” In the middle distance, an oil derrick and a directional road sign suggest a crossroads of industry and travel, with the sign pointing “WEST” to the left and “EAST” to the right, inviting the viewer’s imagination to continue the journey beyond the scene depicted.

The desert foreground is rich with classic Southwestern motifs, including numerous green saguaro cacti scattered throughout the landscape. Animal skulls and bones, including a prominently displayed large skull near the center, lend a rugged, slightly eerie feel to the scene. Small desert creatures—such as a scorpion, a rattlesnake coiled around a cactus, and a tarantula—enhance the authenticity of the environment and bring the artwork to life. Flowers blooming among the cacti add bursts of red and white, softening the harshness of the desert and providing visual interest. A road cutting through the terrain guides the viewer’s eye deeper into the scene, emphasizing movement toward the “next stop.”

At the lower center of the card, the "Continental Plastic Card Company" logo anchors the design with a corporate stamp, indicating the card’s manufacturer. Above the rugged desert scene, a sunburst graphic on the right side boldly displays “5 MINUTES,” likely referring to the card’s telephone time value or duration—an integrated functional element within the artistic design. Overall, the composition balances color, texture, and thematic motifs expertly, transforming the card from a simple phone token into a miniature piece of collectible art that conveys both place and purpose.

Turning to the back of the card, the design shifts from colorful narrative artwork to practical information. This side typically contains small text providing instructions for use, terms of service, or customer support details. It may also feature a magnetic stripe or barcode for electronic scanning, though this image does not confirm their presence. A unique serial or card number is usually printed here to assist with tracking and validation. The background is often a subdued white or off-white, ensuring that the printed information remains clear and legible.

This reverse side fulfills the functional role of a telecommunication card, offering essential details without detracting from the vibrant visual appeal of the front. It may also include fine print related to calling rates or validity dates, reinforcing the card’s utility as a legitimate phone access tool beyond its collectible value. The contrast between the artistic front and the informational back exemplifies the dual purpose of such cards—serving both as functional items and pop culture artifacts from the late 1980s telecommunications era.

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.