From: MPCgram [mpcgram@yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2007 6:38 PM To: mpcgram@papermoneyworld.net Subject: MPCGram 1546 =========================================== MPC GRAM =========================================== Series 8, no 1546 Sunday, May 13, 2007 Commentary by Joe Boling My excuse is better than Fred's - I was out of the country for two weeks with Louise, tramping through Morocco sans computers. We were there 17-30 April, on a tour sponsored by the MIT Alumni Assn. Imagine my surprise to find the cover story of the Royal Air Maroc in-flight magazine to be an article about the money museum at the Bank Al-Maghrib, the Moroccan national bank. And, it's in Rabat, the national capital, and the site of our first two nights' stay. So I hot-footed it down there the afternoon we arrived, which was designated as recovery time before starting the serious "touring." The coin part of the exhibit is excellent, with about twenty-five cases of coins dating back to Roman times. The paper is not as good, with many gaps in the issues. Especially disappointing is the lack of WWII pieces that were printed in Morocco! Modern notes are well-represented, with uncut sheets being exhibited. However, upon checking the SCWPM when I returned, it's clear that even the bank's own issues are not completely shown. I was surprised at the extremely heavy wear on the circulating coins. They are not very old (virtually all 1987 and newer), and are cupro-nickel, but many have all detail of the portrait and most of the lettering worn flat. Finding high-grade coins in circulation is difficult - I came up with only three (among ten circulating types) in two weeks. The denominations below half-dirham (6.25 cents) do not circulate - I found none except in a souvenir shop, offered in mixed sets of obsolete coinage. Two of those types (with exchange values of 2.5 and 1.25 cents) are dated as recently as 2002. Unc notes are almost as hard to find - the 2002-2005 notes are current, and easy to find in VF, but I found only one hotel cashier who had any AU or better pieces. The 1987-1996 series of notes, showing Hassan II, is still circulating, but one hardly sees them. Surprisingly, the 1996 20 dirhams note is the hardest to find - I saw only three in two weeks, all disintegrating. The highest value note issued is 200 dirhams - $25 - and many shopkeepers have trouble making change for a 100 dirham note. I searched for a coin shop in all of the souks we traversed (a lot of them) - none was found. One souvenir shop (already mentioned) had sets of ten or a dozen coins; one other had a large tray piled high with grubby non-silver coins, many not Moroccan. I saw nothing that would warrant my spending time there. A few leather shops offer bags with coins attached as ornaments - heavily polished, and damaged in attaching them. One also saw lots of jewelry with coins dangling - all cast reproductions. In short, it was not a numismatist's paradise. Auction Alert  Kerry Rodgers pointed out a dozen lots of Holocaust notes in the current Status International auction (18 May in Australia - that's 17 May for the rest of us), but browsing the lots led me to an even more interesting piece - a Fanning Island pound, complete, hand-signed by the manager of the plantation, RG Ganet (in an endorsement to another person, in the form of a short snorter). In addition, the note is signed on the back by a raft of other military types. See http://www.statusint.com/detail_coins.php?id=9576. For the Holocaust pieces, see lots 9564-9575, just before the Fanning Island piece. ***************************************************** Championship Question Corner Question 195. Difficulty 2. How many series of MPC coupons were issued? Question 194. Difficuly 3. Where was the Hamerhead Lounge? Answers and comments: Ski wrote: the Hammerhead Lounge was in Alaska. ========================================== Editorial ========================================== I am excited. I am on a MPC research trip. Specifically, at the moment I am enroute to Washington DC where I will do some work at the BEP on MPC. Of course I expect to have much to report on this. I have some ideas of incomplete research questions that might be solved here. If you have any ideas along that line, I will be happy to have your ideas and questions. Of course, it is not possible to answer everything from the records that are there, but I am enthusiastic. We have always found good information in the past and there is no reason that this trip should be different. Not that I have been very regular of late, but I might have the added problem of internet access for the next few days (much better excuse than I have had). Now I am in Washington. Indeed, I have been here four days. I have learned a lot and had a great time even if my numismatic adventures have not started (more below). I have spent a fair amount of time in DC doing research over the past 30 or so years. Indeed, I have spent a week or more at a time at least twice, but I never before stayed in the district. It has been a new and wonderful experience. First I found that I had been promoted to a privileged class. As a white male, some may say that I have had that for a long time. Nonetheless, it was interesting fell promoted. Yes, in the district a decidedly privileged class is pedestrian! I am staying with an in-law. Coffee houses and book stores abound within a two minute walk. There is a park across the street from the coffee houses. The park abounds with activity. Romance and CHESS. Yes, they play chess there about 20 hours per day. At night there is just barely enough light. Certainly not enough for me to play. Not to mention that I was intimidated by the street hustlers. On Saturday night the players were forced inside the Books-a-Million store because of rain. There I got to watch the games a little more closely. In the first game that I watched the fellow with the advantages was desperately behind in time. While his opponent had about three minutes, he had about 20 SECONDS. He was a master with the clock executing his moves and hitting the clock in a flash. He prevailed. I wondered how he had gotten into such time trouble. When they started the next game, I saw that he was not actually in time trouble at all. He had given his opponent (mark) a time handicap. The mark started games with 5 minutes, the hustler started the game with 30 SECONDS. I do not know what the stakes were but the hustler won every game. They had a cute little method of keeping the financial score without flashing cash. I was surprised that given the interest that I was showing that I was not challenged to a game, but I think that I am happy that I was not. Friday I played tourist. I went to three places. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Roosevelt Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. Oh yes, I went to the Vietnam Memorial too, but I had been there before. The Roosevelt Memorial was first. I found it very interesting. I was about to say that it was unique, very different, but now that I think about it all or at least most of the memorials are very different. I liked the Roosevelt Memorial. Not surprisingly, it encompassed a lot of history. Much of the memorial features flowing water--pools and falls. It was a very warm afternoon. I would have liked to have cooled myself off in one of the pools. I would not have done it in any event, but it made me think about the approach. Many signs forbade such frivolous behavior and park rangers were present to enforce the rules. I am not so sure that the memorial needs to be a somber place. I think that squealing children in the water on a hot day might enhance the experience. It might also make it a memorable experience for small children who would otherwise be miserable and forget the visit as soon as possible. That is just one contrarian view. The highlight of the memorials was the World War II Memorial. I have been looking forward to visiting it. It was moving. It is a moving place. Actually, it was a bit smaller than I expected, but still it was impressive. You probably know that each state and territory have a pillar. As I walked around the circle I stopped at the Michigan pillar. I am sorry that I cannot remember the name of the town (perhaps it is better if I do not), but there in front of the Michigan pillar was a wreath with a ribbon proclaiming that it was delivered there by the middle school of this small town. I was touched just about to tears--then and now as I type this. The trip to the air and space museum was fast. By chance I was (am) rereading the autobiography of Jimmie Doolittle. There was a nice display about General Doolittle. It included a fragment of his plane from the Tokyo raid and a display of the generals medals, orders, and decorations. The highlight of course is his Medal of Honor. Elsewhere the MOH of the three services were on display (unissued, display models). Do these displays meet the requirements of the new law? I am not going to go into that more right now. I have some ideas to make this topic into an entire article. Another display cabinet had a wide array of small souvenir type items. It included long short snorter, Red Cross chits, meal tickets and many more items without direct numismatic interest. I did not have anything to take notes on the Red Cross chits. At a minimum, those need to be recorded. Today I went to the Politics and Prose bookstore. I have seen this place many times on CSPAN Book TV. I had a great time. I skim read several books. It is a great place. Go there when you come to Washington. I can hear Steve (Feller) at this moment asking if I sold them any of his books. No, Steve, I am not a brazen as you. However, if you are coming to Washington any time soon, we might try to arrange a program and autograph session (you too, Ray). Tomorrow I have an appointment at the BEP for some MPC research. I have a few issues in mind that I have reason to believe will be solvable there. I also am hopeful that there will be some serendipity. Stand by. ========================================= Mail Call (send mail to MPCGram@yahoo.com) =========================================== Dear Editor, We have a quick turn around from csns and leave for milwaukee in the a.m. as a relative died.  the gram looks stupendous and thank you for all your work.  it has been a while since we did any calendar and let us know who to send it to or just this address?  thanks, john and nancy  PS  will get it out later this week. Dear Editor,   Just wanted to let you know that my copy of Silent Witnesses arrived yesterday and I haven't been able to put it down.  The colour illustrations really make a huge difference to the work overall.   I heard that there is a special edition of this text as well.   Can you please let me know the details (i.e. what is different with the edition) and the cost including shipping to Ireland.   Thank you.   Regards, Darryl Atchison Dear Darryl, Thanks for the feedback. Everyone seems to like the book. There is not a special edition as such. The special is really a set. It is the basic book that you have, a second copy with a spiral binding so that it will lay flat, a black and white sprial bound copy which is really a mock up but also ideal for making notes, AND a copy of CD so that you can use the book on your computer. Now, I think that there are afew of the sets left, but I am not certain. If you (or anyone else) wants a set subject to availability they are $100 (you get a full credit for the copy that you prewously purchased making the balance of the set $65 plus shipping. Editor =========================================== Calendar =========================================== 2007 6 April, books signing. 11am 2pm Hiawatha Coin Shoppe, 85 North Center Point Road, Hiawatha, 52233 319 294 4377 Brian Fanton. 14 and 15 April 2007 The annual "Maastricht" show, officially named "PaperMoney Fair-Maastricht" will take place, with dealer set up on the 13th, at the "Polfermolen" in Valkenburg, Netherlands. For details, view the bourse web site http:// www.papermoney-maastricht.org/  or contact the show organizer, Joe Eijsermans, at apnc.eijsermans@wxs.nl or eijsermans-events@planet.nl. ANA Summer semnar Session I: June 24-29, 2007* Session II: June 30-July 6, 2007 Memphis 6-8 July ANA Convention, Milwaukee. 2008 MPC Fest IX, Feb 29-Mar 2. Holiday Inn Express, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 ========================================== for dealer Hot Contact list, ANA MPC museum holdings and other static information please click this link: http://www.papermoneyworld.net/Gramattichments.htm ========================================= 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. WANTED SECTION: Collectors may submit lists of items wanted for their collections for listing here. WANTED - JAPANESE INVASION MONEY (JIM). Collector/researcher of these notes by zone, type, and block letter, or number will buy or trade.  Checklist available, Anythinfg unusual is of particular interest. Mike Payton, 6609 Craig, Merriam, KS. USA 66202, papermoneymike@yahoo.com 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. Silent Witnesses: Civilian Camp Money of WWII by Ray and Steve Feller. 166 pages, large format, soft cover in FULL COLOR only $35 (plus $4 per ORDER) shipping. Send you order to the Gram and we will send your book with an invoice or send your order via snail mail to BNR Press, 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452. Fest quarthers (also known as Fest casino tokens, Fest quarters, and harolds are available to Gramsters. These quarters are ideal give aways to promote the hobby. Additionally, they will be valid for spending at all Fests. 2007 harolds can be purchsed in rolls at $6.25 per roll (face value (we knew that you would love this roll value!). Rolls are original, unsorted or searched just the way that they came from the Great Lakes Mint. As a courtesy we will also send four harolds for a dollar bill and a self addressed stamped envelope. Send your orders to MPCFest Headquarters, 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, Ohio 43452. ======================================= MPCGram 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 Columnist at large: Jim Downey "Ski"Smulczenski - skitex@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. ____________________________________________________________________________________Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.0/803 - Release Date: 5/13/2007 12:17 PM