Description:(This description is AI generated and may contain inaccuracies.)
This collectible phone card features a striking image of a giant panda occupying the left side, set against a naturalistic backdrop that suggests bamboo or grassy terrain. The panda is depicted in a peaceful moment, chewing on slender bamboo stalks with a focused yet gentle expression. Its iconic black-and-white fur pattern—black ears, eye patches, and limbs—is vividly detailed, capturing the animal’s texture and natural environment. This imagery evokes the panda’s native habitat within China, emphasizing its connection to the wild.
To the right of the panda, the card displays a red flag adorned with five yellow stars, unmistakably representing the Chinese national flag, prominently positioned near the upper center. This design element underscores the card’s theme centered on China and its endangered species. Adjacent to the flag, gold lettering reads “ISSUED 08/01/93,” indicating the release date, alongside a unique serial number “No. 00001,” suggesting that this may be the first card in the series—potentially increasing its value for collectors.
Along the left vertical edge, the card identifies the series as "ENDANGERED SPECIES SERIES," with the specific focus “PANDA” clearly noted below. The use of different colors and fonts helps distinguish the various pieces of information, adding a dynamic visual appeal. On the right edge, the card’s value, "$50 TELECARD," is prominently displayed in bold gold lettering, indicating its prepaid telephone usage purpose.
At the bottom right corner, the card features the logo of Advantage Communications, Inc. (ACI) in red and yellow, reinforcing the issuing company's brand. The overall design seamlessly blends functional telecommunication features with a conservation-themed aesthetic, showcasing the beauty of this iconic animal. The combination of vivid imagery, vibrant colors, and detailed lettering makes this phone card a visually appealing collectible that stands out in both the worlds of collectibles and telephony.
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The reverse side of the card is predominantly plain, featuring a solid black background typical of phone cards from that era. It includes minimal text and functional elements. The most prominent feature is a broad magnetic stripe running horizontally across the upper half, essential for the card’s telecommunication functionality. This magnetic strip encodes the information necessary for use in payphones or similar devices.
Below the magnetic stripe, a series of smaller printed texts and codes are neatly aligned in yellow type. These include instructions or card identification numbers that likely assist telephone operators or users in verifying the card’s validity and usage details. The text may reference company information, security protocols, and contact numbers for customer service, although these details are not fully visible or legible.
The back design is intentionally simple and utilitarian, contrasting with the vibrant front. This balance emphasizes the dual purpose of the card: serving as a practical telecommunication tool while also functioning as a visually appealing collectible celebrating endangered species and environmental awareness. The black surface with the magnetic stripe ensures the card meets usage standards of the time, while maintaining the aesthetic focus on the front imagery.
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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