Description:(This description is AI generated and may contain inaccuracies.)
This set of collectible phone cards offers a captivating blend of philately and telecommunications memorabilia, commemorating a significant event in both stamp collecting and aviation history. Each card prominently features promotional artwork for "STAMPSHOW '95," held August 24–27, 1995, in Saint Louis, Missouri. Sponsored by the American Philatelic Society (APS), widely regarded as the premier organization for stamp enthusiasts, these cards are prepaid for 10 minutes of phone use, combining practical functionality with collectible appeal. Issued by Cable & Wireless, Inc., the designs emphasize aviation themes, reflecting the interests of collectors passionate about airmail and pioneering flight achievements.
The first card showcases a vintage 10-cent U.S. postage stamp, known as “Scott C10,” honoring Charles Lindbergh and his iconic aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis. This stamp commemorates Lindbergh’s historic solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris—a milestone that transformed both aviation and postal history. The background features a subtle depiction of the St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch, establishing a strong connection between the event’s location and Lindbergh’s legacy. The combination of the historic stamp image and the modern phone card format creates a compelling piece for collectors interested in transportation history and U.S. postal memorabilia.
The second card highlights another historic aviation achievement with a 13-cent stamp reproduction celebrating the "50th Anniversary of the Solo Transatlantic Flight." It features similar visual elements, including the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch, reinforcing the event’s setting and the theme of legendary flights. The artwork depicts a vintage monoplane soaring through a twilight sky, evoking the pioneering spirit of early airmail pilots. Both cards’ aviation stamp motifs seamlessly connect to the APS’s celebration of philatelic material related to air transportation, blending nostalgia for early flight with the excitement of a 1990s stamp exhibition.
On the back of one card, detailed instructions and fine print explain activation and usage, along with information indicating its status as a limited-edition collectible—restricted to only 1,000 pieces. The serial number marked "TEST CARD" underscores its rarity or purpose for demonstration. A printed reference to the American Philatelic Society’s founding in 1886 emphasizes the card’s official affiliation with this esteemed organization dedicated to stamp collecting. This fusion of aviation history, philately, and telecommunications technology reflects an era when collectible phone cards offered a novel way to celebrate cultural and historical themes beyond their basic function. Overall, this set appeals strongly to collectors who value the intersections of stamp collecting, transportation history, and commemorative memorabilia from special events like STAMPSHOW '95.
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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