Description:

This collectible phone card, titled "Changing The Shape of Money: Minnesota (2nd Ptg) Ice Hockey #3/5," represents a unique blend of technology, art, and sport, capturing a nostalgic moment in time. It is a chip card with stored value functionality (SVC), issued by US West, and serves as an early example of a smart card designed for telephone use. The card’s surface features a charming, artistic illustration by Yan Nascimbene, depicting children engaged in an ice hockey game on a frozen pond—an homage to Minnesota’s deep-rooted love of winter sports. The combination of technological innovation and a heartwarming depiction of ice hockey makes this an intriguing collectible for fans of both sports memorabilia and telecommunications history.

The illustration on the card shows four skate-clad children on an icy surface, actively participating in a friendly hockey game. One child, dressed in a red jacket and blue pants, controls the puck while facing off against three opponents. Another, wearing a white helmet and light blue jersey, glides forward, attentively trying to gain possession of the puck. A third child, clad in a green jacket and red hat, lunges dynamically with their stick extended, capturing the movement and spirit of the game. The background features a snowy landscape with trees, evoking Minnesota’s winter climate and outdoor recreational culture. The vivid yet simple art style lends a nostalgic, storybook quality that emphasizes the playful innocence of youth sports.

At the top of the card, the word "MINNESOTA" is prominently displayed, anchoring the image in a state renowned for its passionate ice hockey culture. The US West logo appears on the upper right, identifying the telecommunications company responsible for issuing the card. On the left side, just beneath "MINNESOTA," is the gold smart chip—symbolizing the card’s utility and innovation. This chip enabled users to carry prepaid phone credit conveniently and securely, reflecting a shift from traditional currency to digital stored value. The black border at the bottom boldly proclaims "CHANGING THE SHAPE OF MONEY™" in yellow letters, highlighting the evolutionary leap in currency and payment methods through smart card technology. To the right, the designation "TELECARD" signifies its role within prepaid calling cards.

Valued at $5, this phone card is part of a limited edition series, as indicated by the "#3/5" notation, making it a rare and collectible 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.