Description:

This collectible phone card features a picturesque depiction of Mackinac Island, a renowned tourist destination in Michigan, United States. The front showcases a detailed, high-quality image of the Grand Hotel, an iconic historic landmark central to the island’s charm. The hotel’s white façade stands majestically, topped with a green dome-like structure, set against a bright blue sky. In the foreground, lush green lawns and shrubbery create a striking contrast that highlights the hotel’s stately, old-world elegance. The card prominently displays its $10 value and bears the Ameritech “coin$aver” branding, dated 1994. Overall, the design evokes both nostalgia and practicality, serving as a collectible item and a functional telephone card.

Turning the card over, the back provides detailed instructions for using the Ameritech coin$aver service, specifically designed for Ameritech Touch Tone pay phones. The top edge features the customer service toll-free number for ordering and assistance. Clear, step-by-step instructions explain dialing procedures for local, long-distance, and international calls. Emphasizing the importance of entering correct codes—such as area, carrier, and country codes—reflects the meticulous nature of telecommunications at the time. A practical note states that there are no refunds for lost or stolen cards, a common policy for collectible phone cards. This side of the card is purely functional, with no imagery, maintaining a clean and informative design.

From a cultural and historical perspective, this card blends themes of tourism and telecommunications history. Mackinac Island is celebrated for its vintage charm and prohibition of motor vehicles, making the Grand Hotel a focal point for visitors interested in historic American architecture and scenic beauty. Featuring it on a phone card links the user’s experience to this iconic landmark, enhancing its collectible appeal for phone card enthusiasts and Michigan tourists alike. The Ameritech branding situates the card within the telecommunications landscape of the 1990s Midwest, emphasizing regional identity while fulfilling practical communication needs.

Overall, this piece serves as a nostalgic artifact of early 1990s telecommunications and regional tourism marketing. It captures the intersection of service utility and collectible appeal, highlighting Michigan’s scenic attractions and landmarks like the Mackinac Island Grand Hotel. These cards were valuable tools for travelers, offering an affordable calling option while promoting local heritage. The design balances an inviting, recognizable image on the front with detailed, functional instructions on the back, creating a comprehensive user experience encapsulated in a small plastic collectible.

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.