Description:

This collectible phone card features a visually striking and educational design centered on the theme of endangered species, specifically the cheetah. The front of the card is divided into two main sections. On the left, a vivid photograph depicts an adult cheetah alongside its cub, both nestled in a natural setting that resembles a sun-dappled grassy landscape typical of the African savannah. The adult cheetah, lean and alert, gazes directly forward with an intense expression, while the cub stands close, radiating innocence and vulnerability. The warm amber tones of the grass and the fading light evoke a late afternoon scene, enhancing the card’s naturalistic and somewhat urgent atmosphere—highlighting the beauty and rarity of these animals.

Along the top-left edge of the card, the text "ENDANGERED SPECIES SERIES" is printed vertically in green, establishing the thematic context for this collectible. Directly below, the word "CHEETAH" appears in bold yellow letters, making the subject unmistakably clear. To the right, the flag of Kenya is prominently displayed, establishing a clear link to the species’ geographic origin. This subtle yet impactful detail nods to conservation efforts in East Africa, where cheetahs still roam in the wild. Beneath the flag, in a clean, straightforward font, the card states it was issued on "04/01/94," providing an exact release date that adds value for collectors.

On the right side of the card, the denomination "$50 TELECARD" is boldly printed in yellow against a warm tan background, indicating its original use as prepaid phone credit. Below this, the logo for Advantage Communications, Inc. (ACI), appears with their company name in smaller red text. This branding situates the card within the 1990s telecommunications industry, a period when collectible phone cards gained widespread popularity. The overall design is clean yet detailed, blending a passion for wildlife conservation with the practical utility of telecommunication technology.

Turning to the reverse side, the design shifts to a functional layout. The background is primarily white, featuring printed instructions and details for the card’s use. At the top, a magnetic strip runs horizontally, which would have been used to activate the card’s stored value when swiped in compatible payphones. Below, fine black print outlines user guidelines and customer service contact information, reflecting the telecommunications standards of the 1990s. This section includes details on usage limits, expiry dates, and operational instructions, guiding users on responsible use and underscoring the card’s primary function despite its collectible appeal.

In summary, this phone card stands out as a compelling collector’s item that combines themes of endangered wildlife, geographic identity, and technological function into a single artifact. The front artistically celebrates the majesty and plight of cheetahs in Kenya through vivid imagery and symbolic elements, while the back reveals the practical telecommunications features that made the card both functional and collectible during its era. This juxtaposition of conservation awareness and everyday technology poignantly captures the cultural moment of the early 1990s.

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.