Description:

This collectible phone card from AmeriVox features a captivating design centered around a historic maritime theme. The front displays an exquisite illustration of Dutch sailing ships, likely from the 17th century—an era celebrated as the Dutch Golden Age. The ships are depicted with tall masts and numerous sails, each bearing the distinctive Dutch tricolor flag—red, white, and blue stripes. The prominent vessel in the foreground is rendered with detailed wooden textures and ornate embellishments, suggesting it was used for significant voyages or trade during that period. Beneath the ships, gentle waves enhance the scene, evoking a serene yet purposeful maritime journey. Overall, the artwork captures the grandeur and naval strength that played a vital role in the Netherlands’ economic and colonial ambitions during the Golden Age.

In the top left corner, the AmeriVox logo appears, representing the company that markets the card. Beneath the logo, the card provides historical context with the dates "8-11 September 1994" and the event name "CardEx 94 Amsterdam." CardEx was an international telephone card exhibition, and the mention of Amsterdam aligns perfectly with the Dutch maritime theme depicted in the artwork. The "94" references both the year and the specific event edition. These details enhance the card’s collectible appeal and situate it within the broader hobby of phone card collecting, which gained popularity in the 1990s.

In the upper right corner, the card displays its monetary value as "$5," indicating it was preloaded with credit for making phone calls. This functional aspect transforms the card from merely a collectible to a practical device, reflecting the pre-mobile phone era when payphones and phone cards were essential. The clean edges and sophisticated design emphasize its premium quality. The historic and visually striking artwork further appeals to collectors interested in maritime history or Dutch heritage.

Overall, this card serves as a bridge between history and technology—a tribute to seafaring exploration and a marker of telecommunications history. It celebrates international events and cultural heritage through its design, illustrating how everyday objects like phone cards can become cherished collectibles imbued with symbolic and historical significance.

The reverse side of the card is simpler and more utilitarian, designed to facilitate its primary function. It features a magnetic stripe along the top, essential for interacting with payphone machines. Just below the stripe, a block of text printed in black on a white background provides instructions or terms of use for the card. The serial number and issuer information are likely present here, although the resolution of the image limits detailed reading.

This text probably explains how to use the card, including details on call duration, dialing procedures, or checking remaining balance. While the back contrasts with the front’s artistic appeal, it is vital for the card’s operational purpose. Overall, the reverse side embodies the technological practicality of the phone card era, ensuring its functionality as a communication device rather than merely a decorative item.

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.