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MPC Gram

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Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics

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Series 003-Number 559, Monday, February 18, 2002

HOT Fest News

Series 471 MPC was issued on March 10, 1947. MPCFest III ends on March 10, 2002—the 55^th birthday for the series. Therefore, the theme for Fest III will be happy birthday Series 471. A featured event of the Fest will be a birthday party for Series 471.

MPCFest is the only event that pays collectors to attend! Yes, every person who attends the Fest is actually paid as part of the event! Even if Festers were not paid, it is a great event, the highlight of the MPC year! Registration for the Fest is only $149. This one payment includes lodging and meals throughout the Fest as well as participation in all of the activities of the Fest.

Dealer participants are also patrons of the event and pay an additional $150 fee for which all Festers thank them. They also receive special recognition and space during the Fest bourse.

All fees should be paid before the Fest. Payment can be sent to MPCFest Attn Fred Schwan, 132 E. Second St. Port Clinton, OH 43452 or via PayPal using email fredschwan@yahoo.com. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. When payment is received, it will be indicated on the company roster.

Lodging is based upon double occupancy. Roommates are assigned by the first sergeant. While this sounds a bit strange, it has a very definite purpose. First time Festers are billeted with veteran Festers and roommates are not repeated. Obviously, this system saves money that can then be spent on MPC, but it also does other things. This system increases the fellowship of the event. It also improves security. However, there were some comments (complaints?) last year about collectors who strongly prefer single occupancy. That option will be available this year for only an additional $50.

AAFES BONU$ BUCK$

by Howard A. Daniel III

I recently purchased two large fireproof safes. One of the promises I made to my wife was that I would assemble all of my collections in the safes and discover what was duplicate, triplicate or more, and then sell or trade them to reduce the large amount of "stuff" in the house. For several weeks, I have been finding hundreds of pieces in boxes, in envelopes I filled at shows, in stacks of mail from my mail-order purchases and bids, in packages from publishers for illustrations in my columns and articles, and falling out from between the pages of publications and my journals. It is almost like Christmas day after day. Some of them were completely forgotten about and a real nice surprise to add to my collection.

This article is about something I long ago wanted to write about to see if it is of interest to anyone. I found what is about the size of a United States dollar note and has "1''s in each corner like a $1 note. The piece is uniface and has everything in light to dark green ink except for a bar code with 0-27664-52019-4 in black ink. The center has "BONU$ BUCK$" in two lines in the center and the dollar signs are there instead of "S"s. The left center has "Validated By:" and a line below it for a signature or overstamp. Below the line is "Bonus Bucks valid on next purchase. Purchase must exceed value of Bonus Bucks." in four lines. The right center has "Excludes Gasoline Alcohol, Uniform & Accessory Issue Items and Catalog purchases. Redeemable in AAFES main store only through 31 Dec 98." Yes, there is no comma between "Gasoline" and "Alcohol" so there must have been a new fuel at the gas station like is used in dragsters.

The date on it tells me I probably acquired it sometime during 1998 at the Fort Belvoir PX and kept it because its value to a collector of military financial pieces. Does anyone know of other "coupons" like this for other military exchanges worldwide? Does anyone collect this type of "coupon"? Should it be included in any current or future catalogs? I would be interested in reading your letters to the esteemed editor of the MPCGram about this piece.

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Editorial

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Kevin Maloy’s criticism of the means of distributing the monster library numbers to me thinking (unusual as that may be). Frankly, before the fact the time system was the only one that I thought of. Now I have thought of other options.

First, an easy change. Buyers of the monster library will be listed in the fifth edition as patrons. Indeed, we will start calling this the Patron’s Set (but Monster Library/Set is still good). Once I thought of this, I got mad at myself again because with some coordination, we could have taken the orders in advance and had the patrons listed in THIS edition. Oh well, a good idea better late than never.

Because of Kevin’s letter, it occurred to me that we could have taken the orders then drawn for the numbers at the Fest. I think that I was interested in helping the position number collectors (2, 4, 8, and 39) get these respective numbers and that goal drove the plan. After all, it seems that we should do something to reinforce the appropriate behavior!

In retrospect, I think that the system was wrong. I think that we should have done it by drawing as described above (number one still to be in the auction to give everyone an equal, free-market chance). This could be done with or without the protection for the reserved numbers. There is even something in it for the 2, 4, 8, 39 collectors. They will get the opportunity to trade for the numbers that they want. Even though they will deny it, that would be fun.

It seems to me that since the distribution of numbers has not been announced, we can still modify the system to the above lottery or some variation. I expect that this will generate lots of mail (I hope so, we love mail at the Gram). The change could even allow withdrawl of orders for anyone so upset and so inclined, but it seems to me that the only ones who might get real upset are the 2, 4, 8, and 39 guys. While they might get upset, their advantage was not fair to start with so their argument is weak.

We look forward to your comments.

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Mail Call

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Dear Editor,

Good for Mark (Wilson). Getting hold of the BAFSV book may be a little difficult as they are basically sold out. As far as I know only Claire Lobel still has a few copies.

Theo

Dear Theo,

As always, thanks for writing. BAFSV is a GREAT book. [Clair, if you have some copies available, please give us a notice so that we can help you sell them. Gramsters should have this book.]

Editor

Dear Editor,
Please accept my order for a copy of the Collector's Edition. Signed and if you can find time an inscription of some sort would be appreciated. I suspect I'm too late to request copy number 13, but that is my lucky number, so it would be appreciated.
The check is in the mail........ Well, it will be tomorrow.
Looking forward to the book. Congratulations on getting it done. It has been a long job, but it will be appreciated by many.

Bill

Dear Editor,

I would like to order the researchers edition of the MPC book. Upon confirmation of my order I will send a check for $125.

WILLIAM M. LOVELL

JOHNSTON ISLAND APO AP 96558

Dear William,

Thank you very much for the order (of course). I must admit that Johnston Island is one of the most exotic locations to which I have ever sent a book (or anything). What is the population of the island?

A few years ago at the Honolulu airport I noticed a once-a-week flight to the island.

Is there are military banking facility on the island? If so, I would sure love to have a check from it. Heck, I suspect that many Gramsters would like one.

Thanks again for the order and for writing. I don’t suppose that you can make it to the Fest?!

Editor

Dear Editor,

I synchronized my computer this the OFFICIAL internet time as is allowable in windows XP to insure that my order would be received precisely at 1:00 EST. Please accept my order for a Researchers Edition of the new MPC Book. I am very much looking forward to this. Thanks.

Dear Marcus,

I appreciate your efforts and thanks for the order! In addition, you made me laugh! The deadline only related to the monster library. Other orders could be accepted before or after that time! See you soon (at the Fest).

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Departments

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Calendar of events for Gramsters maintained by Howard Daniel, Nancy and John Wilson and Gram staff, last updated September 7, 2001 show reports are requested on all events. Even if it was not a great show, there must be something to report. What and whom did you see? Market activity? Share your observations and thoughts with Gramsters everywhere.

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Special "MPC" events

March 2002 8-10 - MPCFest III - reservations in order received: Harold kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Gary "Got any fours" Hicks, David Seelye, Jack Lippincot, Phil Goldstein, Warner Talso, Unknown Subscriber, Richard Freyser, Tom Koch, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Doug Bell, Sam Feeback, Bruce Potter, Elmer Smith, Marv Mericle, Wes and Rod Hardy, Marcus Turner, Gene Ryanwood, Al Glaser, Ian Marshall, Carlson Chambliss, Ray Bows, Kevin Maloy, Mike Cummings, Ed Frey Fred Schwan: sick call Guido Crapanzano, Tom Warburton, {running total 31}] [missing "old" Festers: Dan Swartz, Leo May, (did I forget someone?), come on guys, give us your reservation]

[Fest reservations for Fest IV: Guido Crapanzano, Tom Warburton, Fred Schwan]

Fest registration is $149 including lodging, meals, activities, and assorted goodies. Single occupancy is available for an additional $50. Payments may be sent via snail mail to MPCFest/Fred Schwan, 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452 or (preferred except for credit card payment) via paypal using email address fredschwan@yahoo.com. Thank you very much.

Three airports are reasonably available for the Fest. In order of proximity they are:

Toledo

Cleveland

Detroit (Metro)

All three are reasonable. If you can arrive early enough AND coordinate it well ahead, every attempt will be made to pick you up at the airport to save on rental cars. Festers are encouraged to coordinate among themselves for rides. We will also run notices in the Gram and, finally, we will try to coordinate for Festers to run pickups from Fest central.

June 29 to July 5

W.W.II numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar, July 2002

Session I (June 29 through July 5, 2002)

Session II (Sunday, July 7 through Thursday, July 11, 2002)

general events will return

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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 maturner@indy.rr.com

or

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

Leo May

Warner Talso

Marv Mericle

Mark Watson

Gail Baker

Joel Shafer

Ed Hoffman

Howard A. Daniel, III

Keith and Sue Bauman

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Hot Contact List

Below is the BNR Press Hot Contact List. This list serves several functions. Obviously it is an outreach by the dealers listed for your business. Most of them buy and sell MPC. Others organize shows or publish periodicals. They have supported the new Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates with their advertising. They deserve your support and patronage.

Secondly, this is a draft from the book that participating dealers should check for correctness. Finally, dealers who are not on it and want to can still get their ads in if they act promptly. Respond to this email or call (419) 732-6683.

We are sorry if the format is a little messed up here in the Gram, we are not sure of how to fix it!

Hot Contact List

Dealers and resources for collectors

Name/phone/fax/email

Allens (614) 882-3937 (614) 882-0662 info@allens.com

American Coins & Collectibles (800) 865-3562

American Numismatic Association (800) 367-9723 ana@money.org

Bob Baker (713) 864-3122

Ken Barr (408) 272-3247 ken@kenbarr.com

Fred Bart (810) 979-3400

Dick Balbaton (508) 699-2266 (508) 643-1154 RJBalbaton@AOL.com

Keith and Suzanne Bauman (248) 262-1514 tnaksbauman@earthlink.net

Joe Bissell (602) 440-0442 (602) 494-9103

BNR Press (419) 732-6683 (419) 732-6683 fredschwan@yahoo.com

Remy Bourne (800) 789-7070 (763) 789-4747

Ed Carne (614) 882-3937 (614) 882-0662 info@allens.com

Champion Stamp (212) 489-8130 (212) 581-8130

Cookie Jar Collectibles (301) 604-9225 cjc-pi@home.com

Guido Crapanzano [39] 2-8056228 [39] 2-4459856

Currency Dealer Newsletter (310) 515-7369

David F. Cieniewicz (205) 852-7015

Currency Grading & Certification (602) 493-4758 (602) 494-9103 sales@gradedcurrency.com

Cygnet Charters (419) 734-2422

Ray Czahor (301) 604-9225 cjc-pi@home.com

Doric Coins & Currency (508) 699-2266 (508) 643-1154

FUN (407) 321-8747

Phil Goldstein (845) 254-MPC1 (6721) IWANTMYMPC@AOL.COM

Great Lakes Bank Note Company (800) 793-0683

David Cieniewicz (256) 852-7015

Mike Cummings (863) 603-9899 (863) 603-9880 mpccoin@hotmail.com

Great Lakes Bank Note Company (419) 732-6683

International Bank Note Society joeboling@aol.com

Essie kashani (909) 627-3996 (909) 627-2776 kashani10@aol.com

Great Lakes Bank Note Company (419) 732-6683

Lowel Horwdel (765) 583-2748 765 583-4584 horwdel@inshightbb.com

Lyn Knight (800) 243-5211

Krause Publications (715) 445-2214 (715) 445-4087 bnr@krause.com

Harold Kroll (251) 649-5134 HARBONS@AOL.com

Leo May (305) 271-8391 LeoMayent@aol.com

Ian Marshall (416) 445-0286 (416) 445-0286 iam@total.net

Memphis Coin Club (901) 757-2515

MPCGram (419) 732-6683 MPCGram@Yahoo.com

Bob Reed (504) 361-5684

Fred Schwan (419) 732-6683

David Seelye (585) 594-1987 (585) 594-2311

R. M. Smythe (800) 622-1880 (212) 908-4047

Military Trader (800) 334-7165

Fred Schwan (419) 732-6683 (419) 732-6683 FredSchwan@Yahoo.com

Richie Self (318) 868-9077

Mel Steinberg & Son (415) 453-9750 (415) 457-4432 melsteinberg@mindspring.com

Scott Winslow Associates (603) 472-7040 (603) 472-8773 scott@scottwinslow.com

George Warner (307) 672-3700

Pam West [44] 0208 641 3224 [44] 0208 641 3224 pamwestbritnotes@compuserve.com

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

Your advertisement of material for sale (related to military money collecting) will be accepted for this section at no charge as a public service.

Fourth edition Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates by Fred Schwan shipping about March 5. Order yours now.

Standard edition (400 pages!) $50

Collectors’s Edition (432 pages!) $95

Researchers’ Edition (432 page, 46 produced, limited to availability) $125

All orders plus $4 shipping per order (NOT per book). Send snail mail payment to BNR Press, 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452 or PayPay using email fredschwan@yahoo.com.

MPC for sale:

Series 472 25 Cents 1st Printing F-VF 13.50

Series 472 25 Cents 1st printing VF 17.50

Series 472 25 Cents 1st printing VF+ 23.50

Series 472 25 Cents 1st printing EF 40.00

Series 472 25 Cents 1st Printing A.UNC 100.00

Series 472 25 Cents 1st Printing CHOICE UNC 225.00

Series 472 25 Cents 2nd Printing gr VF 25.00

Series 472 25 Cents 2nd Printing VF 47.50

Series 472 25 Cents 2nd Printing EF 100.00

Series 472 25 Cents 2nd Printing GEM UNC 425.00

Series 472 50 Cents 1st Printing F 13.75

Series 472 50 Cents 1st printing F-VF 18.00

Series 472 50 Cents 1st Printing EF 75.00

Series 472 50 Cents 1st Printing A.UNC 135.00

Series 472 50 Cents 1st Printing A.UNC-UNC 180.00

Series 472 50 Cents 1st Printing CHOICE UNC 265.00

Please confirm at 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.

Collector wants 481 .25 center, VF position # 1, if you have one for sale, advertise it in the Gram

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Staff: publisher and editor:

Fred Schwan - MPCGram@Yahoo.com

assistant editor - Phil Goldstein IWANTMYMPC@aol.com

distribution manager - Brad Peacock bp22@swbell.net

Tuesday columnist Joe Boling – JoeBoling@aol.com

Thurski columnist Larry "Ski" Smulczenski – ski@prodigy.net

critic: Harold Kroll – HARBONS@aol.com

scholarship coordinator – Marcus Turner maturner@indy.rr.com

fact checker: Warner Talso

index manager: Ed Beaman

webmaster & technical advisor -- Doug Bell - (Wiz): doug@papermoneyworld.net

The Boss: Judy Schwan