Status: U Return-Path: Received: from web12708.mail.yahoo.com ([216.136.173.245]) by tyner.mail.mindspring.net (Earthlink Mail Service) with SMTP id tpmi4o.2bk.37kbi5q for ; Sun, 9 Sep 2001 06:46:48 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <20010909104545.66872.qmail@web12708.mail.yahoo.com> Received: from [208.191.148.16] by web12708.mail.yahoo.com via HTTP; Sun, 09 Sep 2001 03:45:45 PDT Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001 03:45:45 -0700 (PDT) From: MPCgram Subject: MPCGram 431/3 To: MPCGram@yahoo.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii ============================================== MPC Gram ============================================== Covering the Entire World of Military Numismatics ----------------------------------------------- Series 002-Number 431 September 8, 2001 Report on the current MPC status in Vietnam, July 2001 by Trung T. Nguyen Vietnam has transformed itself and it was not economically. The flood of tourists and businessmen has created a hype of goods leaving the country. MPC was no exception. During my July 2001 visit to the homeland I discovered that there are a steady stream of "MPC buyers" in Vietnam. The stack of old "red dollars" sitting worthless in everyone's home suddenly become golden. Even the "scrap buyers," those who travel the back valleys and every corner of every little town to buy every piece of scrap material, are aware that a red dollar with a letter missing from the serial number is worth many times its weight in gold. The antique shops had some MPC displayed in the glass cases, but save the best in the safe. Two days spent in Saigon seeking for MPC yielded no result, except for one circulated, high quality series 681 counterfeit $20. Much to my amazement, the lady (and a beautiful, flirty lady she was) at the Old-Currency shop in downtown Saigon knew it was a fake and asked 12 bucks, US currency only. She said the counterfeits were rare and thus would cost more. How does one figure that? I bought it. I showed the nice lady a copy of page 123 of the Fred Schwan's Comprehensive catalog of Military Payment Certificates (reproduced with permission) and asked for any currency control card. She said she had never seen one. I gave her the copy of page 123 of the book and she promised to save them all for me, if any can be found. There are MPCs in Saigon, but the price was high. One stamp/currency collector actually has quite a bit of MPC, plus some nice replacement series 641 fractional but they were not for sale. The only one he has to sell was several UNC $10 series 681 and the price asking price was $200 each. I figured out the asking price was way more than its worth. No purchase there. In fact the only note I came back to the US with was the $20 counterfeit. Days later I traveled to Cam Ranh Bay, the biggest US Armed Forces base during the Vietnam War. Riding a bicycle around I spent a day looking for MPC's and none were found beside a pitiful looking note of no significance. May be I was not in the right spots. Nhatrang (a coastal town) had nothing to offer. One local guide and I spent a day looking and finally gave up. I spoke to an old gentleman that was involved with MPC trading, among other things, in the early 1970. He flatly denied being a financial officer of the communist Liberation Front, but did give me some account. I will translate it and will transmit to the gram later. ============================================== Editorial ----------------------------------------------- We have been studying the situation regarding Gram 425. It seems that many or all subscribers in one of the administrative list (number 4) did not receive number 425. While we will never be certain of the cause we will resend number 425 to everyone just to be sure! There will be no extra charge and subscriptions will be extended one issue as compensation for any inconvenience. ============================================== Mail Call ----------------------------------------------- Hello! The [idea of getting a WWII Remembered and MPC good into the] base library thing is a very good idea, I will go ahead and ask them about it either today or tomorrow, if they can't afford i (getting late in the fiscal year money is tight with the units) I may consider buying another copy of each and donating them. I think that would be a good thing. I paid paypal last time with my wife's paypal account, and that worked out great. After reviewing the buget, and talking with the boss, I will most likely be able to pay you on the 1st of September, or early September. It is very nice of you to offer sending the books with an invoice. If you want to do that, it would be great, but not really necessary, I know there is a level of risk involved in doing that to someone you hardly know. I am a member of a WWII living museum group, and I know a few people that would be interested in your books, so when I am able to get this one, I will show them at our next outing. If you don't mind, I will give the interested partys this e-mail so they may be able to order a book if you have some left. I am not sure if you know James Rose pepsico150@aol.com, he is a MPC collector I met on E-bay (bought my first MPC from him, and a VERY nice person I might add) he informed me that there is a coin I can procure through the MPC Gram, that has a story similar to the coins we use in the Air Force today. Each unit has a coin, and everyone has to carry thier coin wherever they go, and if there are a few servicemen in a bar or similar (coffe shop) we do a "coin check" and if you are caught without a coin, you buy the drinks. It is a quite interesting tradition. If you know what I am talking about, I would be interested in buying one also if they are for sale. When I send you my book to be signed, I would like to send you a coin from my unit as an appreciation (that is one of the other traditions). Mostly because I know you will enjoy it, and to return the nice gestures you have given me. If you wouldn't mind, I will send the money for the shipping of my book back to me, that way you don't have any expense. Ok, one last question... then I will stop bothering ya, I tend to ramble onin e-mail, in person is a different story. I was wondering if you attend any numismatic or MPC shows out here in California. I am not sure how much you travel, but I was wondering if you will be going to anything in my area (Sacramento) in the future, I would be very interested in meeting you or any of the other "big names" in MPC collecting. Ok, I will be off at that note, if you don't mind sending me your snail-mail address, I will get those things out to you. Thank you again for everything, I am not sure if you still have my home address, but here it is for future reference: Robert Beauparland Dear Gram, I think the 691-701 money went to the Red Cross.  What are the Phillipine notes worth? I have no text.  Saw one in Vegas last week VF guy wanted $10. Nick In response to Larry Gibbs letter: I believe there were approximately 100 691 First printing teasers that were distributed to collectors when first made available. Then I HEARD, but have not seen, a group of 100 691 Second printing $20 were being used as trade material. Then 54 sets of Series 691 Second printing, and 54 sets of sets Series 701 second printing released to the public. (Usually these sets were sold in a set of 691/701 notes) There were approximately 6 sets of Series 691 First Printing released to those interested. (This number may be incorrect - anyone know for sure?) 1 set of Series 701 First printing is confirmed Once again, this is all I'm aware about, if there is another set or several somewhere that I don't know about, I can't give an accurate tally. Best Wishes, Phil ================================================ Departments --------------------------------------------------- Calendar of events for Gramsters maintained by Howard Daniel, John Wilson and Gram staff, last updated September 7, 2001 ---------------------------------------------------- September 6 - 9, 2001, Illinois Numismatic Association (ILNA) Fall Show Countryside Illinois, Chicago Countryside Banquet hall Dealer Setup Thursday 4-8 P.M. Contact: Kermit Wasmer kdwas@yahoo.com September 13 - 16, 2001, Strasburg Currency and Stock & Bond Show, Lancaster Host Hotel, Lancaster, PA.,100 Booths, Exhibits and Educational Programs, Auction by: R. M. Smythe & Co., Inc., Contact Kevin Foley (414) 421-3498 September 13-15, 2001, Milwaukee Numismatic Society 67th Annual Show Four Points Hotel, Milwaukee, WI 115 tables, Contact: Dave Hunsicker davehuns@yahoo.com September 15 - 16, 2001, Red Rose Coin Club 43rd Annual Fall Show, Lancaster, PA. September 21 - 23, 2001, Paul Padget's 18th Annual Greater Cincinnati Numismatic Exposition, Sharonville Convention Center, Small Auction by Paul Padget and major paper money auction by Currency Auctions of America contact Paul Padget at (513) 821-2143 September 21 - 23, 2001, Virginia Numismatic Association, 43rd Annual Coin Show, Northern Virginia Community College Ernst Center, Annandale, VA September 21 - 23, 2001, Bick International Expos (www.bick.net) River Palms Hotel Casino, Glendale, CA September 27 - 30, 2001, North East Ohio Coin Club, 41st Annual Show, 100 Tables, Holiday Inn, Route 82 At I-71, Strongville, OH Phillips Auction October 4, 2001 October 4 - 7, 2001, long Beach Coin and Collectible Expo Long Beach California Convention Center, 400 booths, Educational Programs, Auctions by Heritage and Ponterio Spink Auction October 5, 2001 World Paper Money Fair, run by London Chapter of IBNS, October 6/7, 2001 October 12-14, 2001, MOON 39th Annual Convention Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, MN Contact Jay Darby E-mail darb1001@aol.com October 12-14, 2001, Collectorama Coin and Currency Show, Lakeland Florida Civic Center, 200 tables, Contact Ed Kuszmar, E-mail collectoramashow@aol.com October 26-28, 2001, 23rd PAN Convention, Pittsburgh Expomart, Monroeville, PA., 140+ tables, Contact John Paul Sarosi (814) 535-5766 November 1-4, 2001, Denver Coin Expo, National Western Expo Hall, Contact Jerry Morgan, (719) 275-0585 November 8-11, 2001, Bay State Coin Show, Radisson Hotel, Boston, MA Contact Ed Aleo (781) 729-9677 November 9-11, 2001, HSNA 38th Annual Coin Show, Queen Kapiolani Hotel, Honolulu, HI Contact Marion Kendrick tel/fax (808) 486-4766 November 9-11, 2001, Tennessee State Numismatic Society Camp Jordan Arena, Chattanooga, TN 100+ tables, Contact Gayle Pike, E-mail pikegw@aol.com November 16-18, 2001, Ohio Coin Expo, Cleveland, OH Holiday Inn, Contact Ron Nelson E-mail ronald-nelson@worldnet.att.net November 15-18, 2001, Santa Clara C, S & C Show, Santa Clara CA convention Center, 300 Tables, Heritage Signature Sale, Contact Rudy Christians (530) 528-8329 My London Paper Money Fairs are: November 18, 2001 November 22 - November 25, 2001, MSNS 46th Fall Convention, Hyatt Regency Hotel Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn, MI., 150+ tables, Educational Programs, Exhibits with great awards including an adult and jr. ANA Summer Seminar Scholarship for BIS's for each one. contact Don Charters (734) 721-4991 or E-mail Tom Klunzinger teklunzinger@yahoo.com November 29 - December 2, 2001, Suburban Washington Baltimore Fall Coin & Currency Convention, Baltimore Convention Center B & M and Presidential Auctions Contact Ed Kuszmar, E-mail collectoramashow@aol.com Important 2002 events CPMX, Chicago Feb 28- Mar 3, 2002 - Contact Kevin Foley, Chairman, Lyn Knight auction of Leo May collection, Educational Programs, 100+ tables, Chicago - Rosemont, IL Holiday Inn, February 28-March 3, 2002 ANA spring show, Jacksonville, FL, 7-9 March 2002. EXHIBIT APPLICATION DEADLINE 11 FEB 2002. Joe Boling, John and Nancy Wilson confirmed in attendance MPCFest III, Port Clinton, Ohio March 2002 27 CICF, April 4-7, 2002, Holiday Inn O'Hare, Rosemont, IL., 100+ tables, Educational Programs, Contact Kevin Foley, (414) 421-3484 WWII numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar, July 2002 ANA summer show, New York City, 30 July-4 August 2002. EXHIBIT APPLICATION DEAD LINE 3 JUN 2002. March 2002 8-10 - MPCFest III - reservations in order received: Guido Crapanzano, Harold Kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Gary "Got any fours" Hicks, Tom Warburton, David Seelye, Jack Lippincot, Phil Goldstein, Warner Talso, Nich Schrier, Tom Koch, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Fred Schwan {running total 14}] W.W.II numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar, July 2002 Session I (Sunday, June 30 through Thursday, July 4, 2002) Session II (Sunday, July 7 through Thursday, July 11, 2002) March 2002 8-10 - MPCFest III [reservations in order received: Guido Crapanzano, Harold Kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Gary "Got any fours" Hicks, Tom Warburton, David Seelye, Jack Lippincot, Phil Goldstein, Warner Talso, Nich Schrier, Tom Koch, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Fred Schwan {running total 14}] --------------------------------------------------- Donations are now being accepted for scholarships to the 2002 "Military Money" course at the 2002 ANA Summer Seminar. Inquiries and donations should be sent to: Military Numismatists c/o Marcus Turner 8103 East US Highway 36 Suite 163 Avon, IN 46123 Donors to 2002 Scholarship Fund Steve Feller Harold Kroll R. A. Medina Guido Crapanzano David Seelye ==================================================== Post/Base Exchange (PX/BX/NEX) Dump your dupes! Your classified advertisement for items for sale 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. Send in a list of items for sale and we will list them here in the gram. In all cases confirm your order via email first. FOR SALE Series 661 $5.00 GEM Crisp Unc $25.00 insured postpaid. Series 481 $0.25 1st printing Crisp UNC $60.00 insured postpaid. coinman@rochester.rr.com WANTED 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 or sale in the above section. This is a trial, if you like it, send your list. =================================================== Staff: publisher and editor: Fred Schwan - MPCGram@Yahoo.com; assistant editor - Phil Goldstein IWANTMYMPC@aol.com Tuesday columnist Joe Boling – JoeBoling@aol.com Thurski columnist Larry “Ski” Smulczenski –skifla@prodigy.net critic: Harold Kroll - MPCKid@AOL.com; index manager: Ed Beaman webmaster & technical advisor: Doug Bell - (Wiz): doug@papermoneyworld.net; 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. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email alerts & NEW webcam video instant messaging with Yahoo! Messenger http://im.yahoo.com