Description:

This collectible phone card, die-cut into the shape of Texas, is a vibrant and eye-catching piece from the Telecard World 1998 exhibition. The front showcases bold, psychedelic lettering that reads "The Big Phone Card" in striking green and orange hues, set against a swirling red and blue background reminiscent of heatwaves or desert sunsets. The Texas silhouette is cleverly incorporated, with the western border highlighted by a cowboy wearing a traditional hat, emphasizing the cultural iconography of Texas. Surrounding this figure, various cacti are scattered throughout the background, adding a distinctly southwestern desert vibe—an often-used theme at regional telecard conventions and expos.

This nearly four-inch-square die-cut design exemplifies the creative efforts to push the boundaries of collectible phone cards during the late 1990s, especially for major industry events like the Telecard World Conference and Exposition held in Texas. The reference to Cable & Wireless (C&W), a prominent telecommunications company of the time, adds a layer of corporate sponsorship and utility to what otherwise appears as a show card designed to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. The card’s dimensions, approximately 15 millimeters in thickness, indicate a durable, premium product built for longevity—celebrating the growing telecommunications culture while leveraging Texas’ iconic imagery.

On the back, the card provides detailed instructions for use, reflecting the telecard technology of the era and emphasizing nationwide usability from any phone within the United States. The inclusion of a unique toll-free customer service number highlights C&W’s commitment to support and accessibility. The card’s value is marked as 15 domestic minutes, called “15 Big Ones,” a phrase that ties into the Texas theme—the word “big” referencing both the card’s design and the legendary “Big Tex.” The card is numbered 352/500, marking it as a limited edition piece, which enhances its appeal and value to collectors who attended the Telecard World ’98 event.

Overall, this Telecard World ’98 Texas show card is a quintessential artifact from the late 20th-century telecommunication collectibles scene. It embodies the synergy of functional technology, corporate branding, and regional pride, serving as a tangible souvenir from a notable industry event. Its vibrant die-cut design, featuring southwestern motifs like cowboys and cacti, makes it a standout example of how telecards transcended their utilitarian purpose to become coveted collector’s items. For enthusiasts, this piece captures a time when telephone cards were not only tools for communication but also celebrated cultural icons and conversation starters at expos and conventions worldwide.

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.