Description:

This collectible VISA Cash card, issued in 1996, serves as a captivating relic from the early days of stored-value technology. The front of the card prominently features a large, bold numeral "5," indicating a five-dollar stored value. Branded with the text "alicum EXPOSTION 1996," it hints at its origin or a specific event associated with its release—possibly a technology or telecommunications exposition. The design incorporates intricate illustrations of coins, adding tactile richness and reinforcing its monetary theme. Embedded on the left side is a metallic chip, showcasing its function as a smart card capable of storing information—a significant technological advancement for its time.

The back of the card continues the coin motif, displaying detailed images of various coins that serve both as decoration and as a visual reminder of the card’s purpose: a stored-value currency substitute. It is marked with the serial number "0524-013191" and the date "06.96," indicating its creation around mid-1996. The Visa logo is prominently positioned at the bottom right, emphasizing the card’s association with Visa’s financial services. An eye-catching red and yellow "Credit Union" logo appears in the upper left corner, suggesting that the card was likely distributed or sponsored by a credit union—highlighting its practicality for everyday purchases rather than solely serving as a collector’s item.

The text on the back describes the card’s practical use, referring to it as "The Visa Stored Value Card," designed to facilitate convenient everyday transactions. It emphasizes the card’s attributes: fast, accurate, and easy to use. The description refers to it as a "lifestyle product," implying it was intended to integrate seamlessly into users’ daily routines—offering a glimpse into early digital payment adoption before smartphones became widespread. This marketing language reflects the mid-90s optimism surrounding emerging financial technologies and the growing shift toward cashless transactions.

Overall, this collectible smart card captures a transitional moment in financial technology and telecommunications. Its design cleverly combines imagery of traditional money with the modern convenience of stored-value cards. The embedded chip, Visa branding, and promotional messaging collectively tell a story of innovation and convenience—embodying the aspirations of mid-90s technology developers and financial institutions eager to bring digital payments to the masses. For collectors and historians alike, this card represents a tangible piece of the evolution toward today’s digital wallets and contactless payment methods.

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.