Abstract: A high security data storage and retrieval system is disclosed which includes a novel low-cost laser-etched data card which can be read from and written to using a capacitively-coupled interface. The card includes a plurality of first and second electrodes arranged in a checkerboard pattern on a non-conductive substrate. A plurality of conductive links are interconnected between adjacent first and second electrodes of the card. The checkerboard pattern of electrodes on the cards permits each first electrode to be connected to as many as three or more second electrodes. An interface module is provided which can selectively address each first electrode and any adjacent second electrode. By this arrangement, the subject system is capable of storing a greater amount of information on a card. This increase in stored information is useable to provide a high level of protection against counterfeit card production.