From: mpcgram-owner@papermoneyworld.net on behalf of MPCgram [mpcgram@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2005 1:04 AM To: mpcgram@papermoneyworld.net Subject: MPCGram 1399 ------------------------ / MPC Gram News Letter / ----------------------- =========================================== MPC GRAM =========================================== Vol 7, no 1399 Sunday December 26, 2005 I'm Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free; I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned away and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found my place the close of day. If my parting left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you all sunshine tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your head and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free! In loving memory of Leo May-The Paymaster by an unknown author, submitted by Bill McNease A Final Tribute by Larry Smulcenski Most of you know that Leo and I spent many hours on the road traveling to paper money shows all around the states. During that time we had many long discussions, exchanged a lot of ideas and experienced some exciting adventures and misadventures. Many of you have been privileged with stories of a few of our misadventures. But the thing that I will remember most about Leo is mealtime. You laugh! Yes, Leo loved to eat and he could consume a lot of food, sometimes to a fault. But, that is not what I remember about him. Leo always went dining with that red ball cap on his head that had the plastic face of Santa centered above the bill and he always had the gold chain around his neck with the bezel contained the enameled medal of Santa Claus. These were a must where ever he went and he always was aware of the kids that were dining in the restaurant. After he polished off his meal, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, Leo would chose a family that was dining with well-behaved children. He would go to the table and ask the parents if he could talk to the youngsters. If they approved, he would asked if they were happy with the presents that they received last Christmas. He wanted to know if they had continued to be good and if they would be writing a letter to Santa this coming Christmas. After further questions about school and other activities, he would compliment them and their parents about the children's courteous dinning manners. He would say that he enjoyed his meal more when he didn't have rowdy, non-behaving youngsters in the area. Leo would then take uncirculated two-dollar bills from his notebook and give one to each of the kids. I have seen him give away a whole lot of two dollar bills. However, if there was a group that was loud, carrying-on and annoying, they got a different treatment. Somehow, Leo was always able to atract their attention. He would pull the small notebook from his breast pocket, wet his finger, leaf through the pages of his notebook, shake his head from side to side and then make a notation. Strangely enough, there was usually a great improvement in the decorum at that table. Nothing needed to be said. In a number of cases, when we returned to that same restaurant the next day, we had glowing reports from the waitresses about how the manners of those young diners improved. So it doesn't suprise me that if Leo had to leave us, it would be on a Christmas Eve. Santa probably had a problem and he needed help. You all remember when we were much younger that Santa had to call on Rudolph to guide him through an unusually dark and dreary night to make his rounds. Well this time he must have needed an experienced co-pilot to help him on his journey. Who better could the Lord have gotten Santa then Leo May, a man that believed in the mission, had a lot of flying experience and had navigated nearly every highway and byway during his life. There is no doubt in my mind that they must have had this bigger mission in mind for Leo. To paraphrase a line from Lucy in the Peanuts comic strip--"Your a good man, Leo May." Your friendship has touched a lot of our hearts and you will not be forgotten. ========================================== Editorial ========================================== The outpouring of tirbutes for Leo has been both unprecedented and appropriate. I suspect that a few more will come in over the next few days, and we will run them, but I anticipate starting to more back to a normal content with the next Gram (a milestone Gram--1400). I also expect that there will be some more news items relating to memorial services and the like for Leo. They will certainly be run in a timely manner and we will take additional editorial stances as necessary and or appropriate. Leo will be with us as we move forward. =========================================== Mail Call =========================================== Dear Gramsters, We have all lost a great friend with the passing of Leo.  It hardly seems possible, as Joel and I just saw him at St. Louis and he seemed to be doing decently well, fighting back to better health after his severe summer.  I have known him and his family for many years;  I used to go down to Miami and spend some time with them before the FUN show, then travel with Leo to Orlando.  There are a great many fond memories I have of him with his big hat, usually wearing shorts even in what I thought was cool weather, always congenial and caring; we had many hours of numismatic and personal banter that only close friends could ever indulge in.  Our trading back and forth was carried on practically incessantly, and at the end of a particular convention either he would owe me a bunch or vice-versa.  We always took care of it "next time", so at St. Louis we sat down and did our thing as usual...except for some reason, this time he wrote me a check for the small amount he ended up owing me.  I wondered why but didn't say much about it.  Leo was also a great family man, with a loving and supportive family.  This is a severe loss to us all, and I am sure a great many folks will miss him deeply.  I know I will. Neil Shafer  Dear Gram, At times like this, words seem empty.  Leo, here is my best:   First, I am deeply grateful that my father and I shared a leisurely dinner with Leo and Val Saturday night at Saint Louis.  Most of the time was NOT spent speaking of numismatics, but rather how our lives were going.  Leo and Val also discussed his "past life" as a principal in detail, and most of this was new for my father and I.  I came away thinking that I had just broken bread with one amazing guy-how fortunate...   I really do not remember the first time I met Leo. In some ways, I suppose, he was always there.  For me in later years, he filled a void left by the passing of Steve Taylor.  Leo was not just a colleague or even just a "numismatics friend"; he was someone who CARED about virtually every aspect of my life.  He cared-what does that mean?  Of course, he had passion for numismatics.  But far more importantly, he cared about the PEOPLE in numismatics-how they were doing, how their health was, how their LIVES were going.  I would have to guess that anyone who ever had a deep conversation with Leo knew that he was listening with every fiber of his being, an all too rare trait these days.  I believe this is Leo's legacy.   Over the years, I would occasionally overhear some I did not know laughing about his hat and attire. Inevitably, my thoughts would become "what idiots-they do not know what they are missing".   A couple more events from this year will always stay with me: At CPMX 2005, a longtime friend new to numismatics came to visit me.  While I was able to dine with him and spent as much time as possible with him at the show, he became fascinated by Leo's offerings and both Leo and Ski answered his many questions about the field.  I was eventually able to get him a new copy of World War II Remembered; after one meeting, I know he will be saddened to hear of Leo's death.    When my grandmother passed away earlier this year, one of the first people I wanted to contact was Leo. After seeing the two of them engaged in several conversations over the years, I knew her demise would really matter to him-and it did.   I sorely miss Leo May-my denial is in high gear and it is surreal to think he is gone.  I only hope Val, Mary, and the rest of his family truly understand how much he mattered to us and how he will be missed for years to come.  Rest in peace, Leo. Joel Dear Editor, What gives me, and hopefully all of you, some comfort in Leo's passing is that "he didn't die, he just went home." For those of you who are biblically inclined, Romans 8:38-39, has also provided support to me in similar situations such as my own father's passing.   Rest in Peace, Leo    Wendell Wolka Dear Gram, I first met Leo at a money show in Columbus, Ohio. I had been reading about MPC and had decided to take the first step at collecting. I mentioned my needs to several dealers and they just shook their heads or said "What's that?" Eventually I reached one that said, " Ohhhh you want Leo!" and pointed me in his direction and said "You can't miss him he is wearing a tricorn hat." Well I didn't know what to expect and I only had a vague idea of what a tricorn hat was but located Leo in cape and hat and laid my ignorance at his feet. I asked him if he were in my shoes what notes he would buy if he had to do it all over again. He thought for a moment and acted bemused. An interesting discussion evolved ( half of which I didn't have a clue as to what he was saying ) and I bought my first three pieces of MPC (which are still in my collection). He also mentioned the up coming Fest ( the first of which I missed darn it ) and we agreed to see each other again soon. When I showed up at Fest II I didn't know a soul and there at registration was Leo with his tricorn hat....... and he actually remembered who I was and set me immediately at ease. I will miss Leo, that hat and all the knowledge that he gave so freely to those who asked and were willing to listen. My thoughts are with his family and all of his friends who are missing him very much at this time. Gary (Who has fours?) Hicks Dear Freditor, PLEASE, replace Leo's name on the roster for attending Fest VII, I believe everyone know that he will be there! Nothing tacky about it. Also, his room should be as always, right next to the convention room door, I will pay for it for the weekend. Steve Swoish Dear Steve, Yes, you are correct about leaving Leo’s name on the Gram list. I removed it in an uncommon burst of efficiency. You are certainly correct that he will be there. Our departed Festers will be listed as attending all future Fests because they will of course be there in spirit. As to the room, let’s try to think of a function for it. Editor Dear Editor, I too, pass on my sincere condolences to the family of Leo May (L M  50 100) .  As I recall, he seldom smiled and was gruff, especially when you did not have your pay book!!!  And I have been to all the Fests going back to 2000. He'd seen it all, so that explained his "jovial"outlook!!! I do not remember seeing him in Atlanta at the 1986 ANA show but if it had, I would have thought what is a "pirate" doing here!!!!   I thought that too at the first Fest. Later I saw him at the ANA here in libidiot Sacramento and sent him a couple of customers who were looking for replacements.  And he had an extensive selection then also.   Good luck Leo in your new home and I know you made it in!!! nick Dear Val,   Please accept my sincere condolences. Although you and I have only met once (at the KC show this past spring). I met Leo for the first time at MPC Fest V in 2004, and I knew almost instantly, that he was someone I would get along with easily. I will never forget his sly sense of humor and his easy laughter. He was, and is a true friend. Even though I only knew him a very short time, he always remembered what I was collecting or what area of numismatics I was into at the time. Had a whole lot of fun just watching him play the slot machine that Fred had set up at Fest VI. He played for hours, and had the biggest grin ever when he hit the "jackpot" to win a $5000  MFC Fest bond. You would have thought he hit the Powerball jackpot. I will remember that always, and smile at the memory. I hope that you, and Leo's family will accept my best wishes. I am so sorry for your loss. But I am also sorry that I didn't have the time to get to know him better. I was really pulling to get him a table at the Lincoln, Nebraska show, just after KC, but it just didn't come together in time. I will miss his Paymaster costume the most. I even had him autograph my copy of the MPC catalog were he is pictured in that very outfit. So long old friend, you will not be forgotten.   Sincerely,   Jack Hunter Hickman, NE To paraphrase Lawrence Binyon's "For The Fallen"; "He will not grow older, as we who are left grow old; Age shall no longer weary him, nor the years condem. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him. We will remember him." God rest Leo May. rusty Dear Editor, Thanks for the prompt notification. Prayer for Leo has been sent [God's will be done.], for Val [realize the strength she has and can draw on] along with my prayer for me [us] [that I(we) accept His decision with grace.] Jay =========================================== Calendar =========================================== 2006 Florida United Numismatists, Inc. 51st Annual Coin Convention on January 5 - 8, 2006. Orange County Convention / Civic Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL. Hours Thursday, January 5 to Saturday, January 7, 10:00 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. and Sunday, January 8, 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. This show is considered one of the finest in the country with an exceptional bourse, major auction by Heritage which includes CAA, great exhibits, many coin club meetings and daily (almost hourly) educational programs. Exhibits are competitive but you must be a member of FUN. FUN has six category's which the YN's are included in. BIS includes a fully paid ANA Summer Seminar scholarship. The prizes are also excellent and every exhibitor gets a nice medal (silver). Many MPC collectors attend this show and the bourse usually includes at least some MPC and similar material. Mini Fests have been known to crop up at FUN. Visit FUN on their web page for exhibit or show information (www.funtopics.com). Feb 9-11, Long Beach, mini fest to be announced Mar 3-5 MPCFest VII John Cheney$$, Harold Kroll, C & D Freeland, Roger Urcie, Pat Bethe, Karen Jach, Jack Hunter (champ), G. W. Slade#, Larry 'Ski' Smulczenski, Steve Swoish, Cuneyd Tolek, Loretta and Dick Freyser, Bob Olson, Wendell Wolka, JANE* and Warner Talso, Howard Daniel$$#, George Fitzgerald, Bill Haines, Bill Meyers#, Nick S., Dave Hunsicker#, Gary Hicks, Adolf Witzke, John Cheney$$, Mark Watson, Ron Waddel, Rachel Feller, Ed Beaman, Carlson Chambliss, Judy and Fred Schwan Running totals: overall 33; new festers 4. $ paid, $$ paid single, # new Fester, *special services auxiliary. Honor Roll: Mike Cummngs, Robert Kutcher, Leo May. Mar 9-12 CPMX, Chicago 1-2 April 2006, "PaperMoneyFair-Maastricht", in the "Polfermolen" in beautiful Valkenburg. Netherlands. The most important and best attended paper money bourse in Europe if not the world! For more information, go to the show's web site at http://www.papermoney-maastricht.org/ or contact the show organizer, Jos Eijsermans, at apnc.eijsermans@wxs.nl June 1-3 Long Beach, mini fest to be announced 3-5 March MPCFest VII 7-9 April ANA convention, Atlanta 16-18 June Memphis 1-14 July ANA summer seminar 16-20 August ANA convention, Denver September 14th-16th, Long Beach, mini fest to be annuonced Oct/Nov Pcda St Louis ========================================== for dealer Hot Contact list, ANA MPC museum holdings and other static information please click this link: http://www.papermoneyworld.net/Gramattichments.htm ========================================== 2005 scholarship fund Donations of cash and numismatic material will be gladly accepted. Generally the numismatic material is auctioned at MPCFest, but might be sold via ebay or other places. Your scholarship donations help the hobby by sending qualified individuals to the ANA summer seminar military money class. Except for unavoidable charges like ebay fees, 100% of your donation goes to scholarships. Contributors to the 2005 scholarship so far are: Ed Hoffman, Warner Talso, RA Medina, John & Nancy Wilson, Keith & Sue Bauman, Dan Freeland, Tom Koch, Doug Bell, Cuneyd Tolek, David Seelye, Brian Giese, Larry Smulczenski, Joe Boling, Dick & Loretta Freyser, Mark Watson, John Cheney, Roger Urce, Harold Kroll, Al Glaser. (also Memphis Belle note purchasers and summer seminar participants. irie Harris, Robert Connell, William Benton Donors and dontions to the scholarship fund (directly) or to the bennefit auction: Ed Beaman, Frank Clark, Howard A. Daniel III, Dick and Loretta Freyser, Dan and Kathy Freeland, Jack Hunter, Harld Kroll, Tim Kyzivat, Leo May, Robbie Robinson, Joel Shafer, Neil Shafer, Larry Smulczenski, Steve Swoish, Roger Urce, Ron Waddell, Pam West, John and Nancy Wilson, Adolf Witzke, Wendell Wolka. Contact me at: "Marcus Turner" mail to: maturner@indy.rr.com Checks should be made out to the "Military Numismatists Scholarship." or Marcus Turner Marcus Turner PO Box 191 Danville, Indiana 46122 USA IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION Additional information can be found at the link below. We encourage everyone to print copies of this information and distribute it to those who might be interested. Further you are encouraged to e-mail the pdf document to anyone you see fit. Thank you http://www.papermoneyworld.net/news/Military Numismatists Scholarship Fund 2003.pdf Marcus Turner Scholarships from the ANA: See the following location for an application for financial aid to the summer seminar: http://www.money.org/sumsemfin.html ========================================= POST / BASE EXCHANGE(PX/BX/NEX) Dump your dupes! Your classified advertisement for items for sale, purchase or trade will be run here for free. Send your ads to the gram. This service is for everyone, most humble dealer or most advanced collector. The point is to make the gram more interesting. In all cases confirm your order via email first. Special book offer made in the Bank Note Reporter and now repeasted for Gramsters. The new 7th editon of the Comprehensive Catalog of U. S. Paper Money by Gene Hessler and Carlson Chambliss will be released in Jan or Feb. If you order a copy now, we will promptly send you a copy of the 6th edition to tide you over till the new one is ready. We will ship the new one and you keep them both. Hard to beat this deal. Price softbound $32, hardbound $40. You can order just by sending an email to BNRPress@papermoneyworld.net (or even just reply to the Gram) and they will send you the books with an invoice--a special benefit of being a Gram subscriber. Collection of UNESCO COUPONS ISSUED Notes no acceptance signature 1 Cent Serial number 91555 Date of issue 20-x-1956 UNESCO New York Office 5 Cents Serial Number 91548 Date of issue 20-x-1956 UNESCO New York Office 10 Cent Serial number 91544 Date of issue 20-x-1956 UNESCO New York Office 25 Cents Serial Number 91540 Date of issue 20-x-1956 UNESCO New York Office 50 Cents Serial Number 91538 Date of issue 20-x-1956 UNESCO New York Office 1 dollar Serial number 150320 Date of issue 20-x-1956 UNESCO New York Office ISSUED Notes with stamps and signatures ( these were actually used) 3 Dollars Serial number 286293 date of issue 30-IV-1960 signed in Rome Italy 3 Dollars Serial number 286294 date of issue 30-IV-1960 signed in Rome Italy there is a receipt from 10-17-1963 from First national Bank of Grand Junction CO debiting a Korean Stamp Society for the $6.00. 1st Stamp on the notes is dated October 1, 1963 3 Dollars Serial Number 737191 Date of Issue 1.10.1970 signed Juaso Ghana SPECIMEN UNESCO GIFT COUPON 1Pound Serial No. B issuance date 1 September 1951 VIA 52.1 (UK) g a AF 1Pound Serial No. B issuance date 1 September 1951 VIA 52.1 (UK) g a AF 1 UNUM Serial No. E (No Date) VIA 52.1 (UN) 1 a AF. 1.000 Francs Serial No. C Issuance date: 1 October 1951 REH 51, M. 9. SPECIMEN UNESCO TRAVEL COUPON 10 Dollars No. A ( No Date) VIA 53 IV 1 10 Dollars No. A ( No Date) VIA 53 IV 1 100 Dollars No. C (No Date) VIA 53 IV 3 UNESCO COUPON SPECIMEN Booklet Date of issue 1.10.1979 missing cover $1.00, $3.00, $10.00, 30.00, $100.00, Cents not to exceed 99 Cents [1.1.1980] Imprimerie Courvoisier SA - Suisse SPECIMEN Check Book Value in UNUM each check has a serial number No Date There is a stub with each check and two receipts on each stub 1 Unum Serial no: 0,104,099 2 Unum Serial no: 0,035,099 5 Unum Serial no: 0,112,099 20 Unum Serial no: 0,072,099 50 Unum Serial no: 0,036,099 100 Unum Serial no: 0,022,099 Cents not to exceed 99 cents Date of issue Jan. 1956 VIA.55.II. 1 f AF. Cents not to exceed 99 cents Date of issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II 1 j AF. Cents not to exceed 99 cents Date of issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II 1 j AF. $1.00 Date of Issue Jan. 1956 VIA.55.II. 2 d AF. $1.00 Date of Issue Jan. 1956 VIA.55.II. 2 d AF. $1.00 Date of Issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II. 2 k AF. $1.00 Date of Issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II. 2 k AF. $3.00 Date of Issue Jan. 1956 VIA.55.II. 3 e AF. Torn in half $3.00 Date of Issue Jan. 1956 VIA.55.II. 3 e AF. $3.00 Date of Issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II. 3 m AF. $3.00 Date of Issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II. 3 m AF. $3.00 Date of Issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II. 3 m AF. $10.00 Date of issue 20-x-1956 PLD.56.II 4 f AF. Torn in half $10.00 Date of issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II. 4 I AF. $10.00 Date of issue 1-6-59 PLD.59.II. 4 I AF. $30.00 Date of issue Jan. 57 PLD.57.II. 5 c AF. $30.00 Date of issue Jan. 57 PLD.57.II. 5 c AF. $30.00 Date of issue Jan. 57 PLD.57.II. 5 c AF. $100.00 Date of issue Jan. 57 PLD.57.II. 7 c AF. $100.00 Date of issue Jan. 57 PLD.57.II. 7 c AF. $100.00 Date of issue 1-3-60 PLD.60.II. 7 e AF. $1000.00 Date of issue Nov. 1954 VIA.54.II.14.AF $1000.00 Date of issue Nov. 1954 VIA.54.II.14.AF $1000.00 Date of issue Jan. 57 VIA.57.II.14a.AF different notes 26 2 specimen sets with 6 different notes each 12 total different notes 38 total notes 52 net $15,000.00 David Seelye, contact coinman@rochester.rr.com WANTED SECTION: Collectors may submit lists of items wanted for their collections for listing here. Dealers and collectors who have these items, are then encouraged to list them for sale in the above section as a reply. Wanted listings will run for a period of 1 month. WANTED CURRENCY LEAFLETS OF THE FIRST GULF WAR: blurry brown and grey-blue, Friedman type 2 (Johnson type C61) CIA full color 25 dinar, Friedman types 3,6 (Johnson types F04 and one unlisted by him). This has white margins on the face and may be on light-weight paper. CURRENCY LEAFLETS OF THE BOSNIAN INTERVENTION and CURRENCY LEAFLETS OF THE SECOND GULF WAR: Any that you have at hand that illustrate a banknote on one or both sides. Joseph E. Boling PO Box 4718 Federal Way WA 98063-4718 253-839-5199 fax 253-839-5185 joeboling@aol.com ============================================= MPC Gram Staff: Publisher, editor: Fred Schwan fred@papermoneyworld.net; Subscription Manager:Doug Bell- doug@papermoneyworld.net Tuesday Columnist : JoeBoling- JoeBoling@aol.com Friday Columnist: Warner Talso: wtalso@aol.com Fest Auctioneer: Larry "Ski"Smulczenski - skitx@cox.net, Critic:Harold Kroll - HARBONS@aol.com Scholarship Coordinator: Marcus Turner- marucs@papermoneyworld.net; Webmaster and Technical Advisors:Doug Bell "Wiz" - doug@papermoneyworld.net Russ Walsh - russ.walsh@gte.net Fact Checker: Warner Talso -Calendar Coordinator: John and Nancy Wilson -The Boss: Judy Schwan MPC Gram is published by BNR Press and papermoneyworld.com as a free service to the community of military money collectors. Your suggestions, criticisms, complaints, editorial contributions, letters, and even praise are very welcome. The entire contents including linked illustrations are copyright protected by the publishers. In the case of contributors, the copyright is protected on behalf of the creators. Please send all correspondence regarding the gram to MPCgram@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your participation. __________________________________ Yahoo! for Good - Make a difference this year. http://brand.yahoo.com/cybergivingweek2005/ mpc gram mail list To subscribe to a list, send a mail message to "imailsrv@papermoneyworld.net" at this address with the following in the body of the message: subscribe mpcgram your_full_name To unsubscribe from a list, send a mail message to "imailsrv@papermoneyworld.net" at this address with the following in the body of the message: unsubscribe mpcgram if you have any problems please report then to doug@papermoneyworld.net