Description:(This description is AI generated and may contain inaccuracies.)
This collectible phone card features a striking image of a giant panda, an iconic and endangered species native to China. The photograph presents a close-up profile of the panda as it eats a piece of bamboo, a primary component of its diet. The panda's fur is vividly depicted, showcasing the distinctive black-and-white contrast, while its calm demeanor is conveyed through relaxed eyes and a subtle, natural pose. The blurred greenery in the background evokes the panda’s natural bamboo forest habitat, enhancing the card’s visual appeal and reinforcing its conservation message.
Along the left edge of the card, a vertical blue banner with white and yellow text reads "ENDANGERED SPECIES SERIES," with the word "PANDA" prominently displayed in capital letters. This design element emphasizes the card’s focus on endangered species, with the panda symbolizing the broader plight of at-risk wildlife. Near the top right corner, the Chinese flag is displayed, linking the subject to its native country and adding a touch of national identity and geographic context.
Below the Chinese flag, the issuance date is printed in yellow: "ISSUED 08/01/93," situating this collectible within a historical context that likely reflects early 1990s conservation efforts and public awareness campaigns. The card number, "1415/1500," indicates it is part of a limited edition, enhancing its collectible value. Being the 1,415th card out of only 1,500 produced, it is relatively rare and desirable for collectors.
On the lower right side, the "ACI" logo appears in red, accompanied by "Advantage Communications, Inc." beneath it, identifying the issuing company. To the right border, "$20 TELECARD" and a small yellow "E" are printed, indicating the card’s monetary value and type, likely for use in public telephones. The overall design seamlessly combines functional telecommunication features with environmental awareness, making this piece both practical and emblematic of early 1990s conservation-themed merchandise.
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On the reverse side, the layout is clearly organized for practical use. The upper section provides a designated space for the magnetic strip, which stores the card’s electronic value. Below, instructions are printed in both English and Spanish, guiding users on how to operate the card in payphones. These instructions reiterate the $20 value, detail how to deduct units for calls, check the remaining balance, and offer general usage tips.
To the right, a warning in capital letters advises users to avoid damaging the magnetic strip or exposing the card to extreme heat or magnetic fields, which could render it unusable. This practical advice reflects the technology of the era, when phone cards were vulnerable to physical and magnetic damage.
Additional information includes customer service contact details, with a phone number provided for reporting issues. This underscores the card’s purpose as a functional communication tool, not merely a collectible. Near the bottom, some regulatory information is printed, likely indicating compliance with telecommunications standards and rights of the card provider.
The overall design of the back contrasts sharply with the vibrant, photographic front. It features straightforward, black text on a plain white background for clarity and ease of reading. This practical, no-nonsense layout ensures usability, while the front side’s vivid imagery and thematic artistry highlight its collectible and environmental significance.
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.
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