Description:

This description pertains to a collectible phone card or set of cards featuring Olympic themes, with a particular focus on swimming. References to the "1996 Olympics," "VISA Cash," "Gold Medal," and "Mel Stewart" suggest a limited edition or commemorative series produced around the time of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. During this period, phone cards often served as collectibles, especially when they highlighted prominent athletes or iconic events, making them popular among sports fans and collectors.

From the description, the card(s) appear to showcase Mel Stewart, an Olympic swimmer renowned for his achievements in the 1990s. An American swimmer specializing in breaststroke and individual medley events, Stewart was a key member of the U.S. Olympic team. The imagery on the card likely captures him celebrating victory, racing in the pool, or holding a gold medal—evoking the prestige and excitement of Olympic competition. The visuals are probably vibrant, emphasizing the dynamic movement and energy of Olympic swimming, with water splashes and athleticism prominently featured. These images serve not only as decorative elements but also as a tribute to Stewart’s accomplishments and swimming talent.

The 1996 Olympics VISA Cash Gold Medal phone card functions as a stored-value or smart card, containing a chip that allows users to prepay for phone calls. This makes the card practical beyond its collectible appeal. Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), a well-known manufacturer of secure smart cards and bankcards, appears to be associated with this card, as indicated by the "$20" denomination and brand markings. This association adds an element of authenticity and rarity, as G&D was a leading producer of secure smart cards in the 1990s. The mention of "VISA Cash" suggests that the card may have had stored-value capabilities for small transactions or as prepaid cash, in addition to its telecom function.

Overall, this collectible phone card symbolizes the intersection of sports memorabilia and emerging smart card technology of the mid-1990s. It honors Olympic athletic excellence through imagery of Mel Stewart’s swimming achievements while reflecting innovative technology, such as smart chip cards, used for everyday transactions. The gold medal theme emphasizes its commemorative purpose, celebrating both the athlete and the broader Olympic spirit of the 1996 Games. As a collectible, it appeals to enthusiasts of sports history, Olympic memorabilia, and vintage telecom artifacts alike.

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.