If you'd like to step back in time, enjoy collecting prehistoric animal art or want a convenient way to make telephone calls, the U.S. Postal Service and American Express say they have just the thing.

Introduced June 18, the prehistoric animal First Class Prepaid Phonecards are likely to become anything but extinct in the hearts of kids and collectors alike, officials said.Delivered by United Parcel Service and backed by American Express, the cards bear collectible postal stamp art and are available at 69 Utah post offices. The art adds value as a collectible for philatelic enthusiasts. The three-card series includes a $5 mastodon card, a $10 eohippus card and a $20 saber-tooth cat card.

"Why not send your kids to camp with a saber-tooth cat this summer? It will teach them some natural history and will give them a convenient and economic way to call you at home," says Salt Lake Postmaster Ralph Hamilton.

Internet access to view the cards is available through the Postal Service's web site (http://www.

americanexpress.com/firstclass).

The cards are available throughout the United States by calling 1-800-297-POST (7678). Express mail service delivery is also available.

For phone card enthusiasts, some of the earlier phonecard sets made available last November and in February are still available. They include the $5 and $10 Santa cards, $5, $10 and $20 midnight angel card, a $50 flag over porch card, a $100 space shuttle Endeavour card, a $5 puppy love card, a $10 love birds card and a $20 cherub card.

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