Description:

These collectible phone cards commemorate the 100th Boston Marathon held on April 15, 1996, featuring artistic renditions of the Boston skyline. Both cards showcase a soft, impressionistic painting style by Fontaine, characterized by gentle brushstrokes that blend various hues to evoke a serene morning view of the city. The scene prominently displays the Charles River in the foreground, dotted with several small white sailboats that suggest calmness and tranquility. Behind the river, the towering buildings shimmer with warm golden reflections, likely illuminated by sunrise, adding a luminous quality that highlights Boston’s iconic architecture. The skyline includes the city’s famous tall buildings and slender spires, capturing Boston’s distinctive urban profile.

The text on the cards identifies the event as the 100th Boston Marathon, spanning from 1897 to 1996. The official date is displayed alongside a silhouette of a runner, integrated into the title at the top. The cards feature a classic font that complements the historic significance of the marathon. The Boston Athletic Association’s official seal appears at the bottom left, reinforcing the card’s authenticity and its connection to this prestigious race. Additionally, the sponsor’s name, "Long’s," along with the full description, "Thomas Long Company Fine Jewelers," is elegantly printed in a golden script near the bottom right, emphasizing the partnership between the event and local businesses.

Available in denominations of 5 Units and 20 Units, these values are clearly marked in the top right corner. While primarily serving as prepaid telephone calling cards, their design thoughtfully balances practicality with artistic homage to Boston and its marathon tradition. The color palette—primarily blues for the sky and river, natural greens along the riverbank, and golden reflections on the buildings—creates a harmonious visual that captures both the spirit of running and the city’s charm. The inclusion of a running figure within the "Boston Marathon" text cleverly ties the visual theme to the sport, celebrating the enduring resilience of marathon runners.

The third image shows the back of one of the cards, providing instructions for usage and clarifying its validity. It explains how to dial, enter the card number and PIN, and access calls within the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and internationally. Issued by AT&T, a major telecommunications provider, the card features clearly printed customer service information and an expiration date of April 14, 1997. Part of a limited edition of 10,000, this card enhances its collectible appeal for enthusiasts of marathon memorabilia, sports history, and vintage telecommunications items. Overall, these cards represent a unique blend of art, sporting heritage, and functional design, commemorating a landmark event in Boston’s athletic 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.