============================================== MPC Gram ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics ---------------------------------------------- Series 003-Number 578, Friday, March 29, 2002 New Gram Cloumnist Debuts Each Friday starting today will feature a column by collector Phil Goldstein. As with the other Gram columnists, Phil will write about things of interest to him and about which he can share his insights. Phil is a keen collector of MPC and most other military money. He has been a contributor to the Gram in the past and was a general copy editor for the new Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates for which he also wrote a special section on military pay ephemeral. He is known to many of you already as IWANTMYMPC on ebay. Welcome, Phil. Re: Fest III & IV Auction Greeting Fellow Grammers! I want to begin by saying, it was really great to see everyone at Fest III this year... Although I was a bit disappointed Harold did not wear the dress he bought on eBay. When I think about it, it did not seem like a year since the last time I saw all of you, so I hope by tomorrow, Fest IV will be here. I also want to personally take a moment to thank Mark "Sparky" Watson for his excellent execution of his duties as "runner" for the auction. I look forward to your help next year! Speaking of auction, there are a few points Larry and I would like to state, before the Fest IV auction is finalized: 1) Either it's a donation or it isn't: No split scholarship donation lots. Meaning 100% of the lot's proceeds are for scholarship or none. Not 50%, not 25%. It's your merchandise, but we have to do the math, and this is a friendly auction, not a business venture. I know Larry, Fred and I discussed it after the Fest III auction, but I don't remember the outcome then, so we're bringing it up here. 2) Deadline: All lots, or at least a sufficient description, have to be in either Larry's possession or mine no later than two weeks before the auction. This will allow us to both print up the auction catalog and publish it to the websites. We plan to publish the list on both PaperMoneyWorld Website as well it's own, which I intend to create during the next few months. This should avoid any communication failures, like we had this year. You may mail the lot's to Larry, deliver the lots into Larry's hands at CPMX, which is usually the week before Fest or you can mail items to me at my home address. Either way, this year we would like to come to Fest with the catalog already printed and lots already listed on Websites. It may not have been apparent this past Fest, but Larry and I did not spend much time mingling. Larry and I started logging in lots on Thursday, and I'm sure everyone remembers me running out in the rain and wind Saturday afternoon to print shop. Believe me I would have liked to stayed and listened to the disertations everyone was giving. Between me logging the lots, creating spreadsheet, and Larry setting up bourse, then all the last minute additions, which couldn't be added to either the website or the catalog.... I think you get the point. 3) Payout Checks: Larry and I spoke to Fred, and for the next Fest auction, we anticipate having checks to pay the sellers their proceeds. We all know how frustrated I became, when immediately after the auction closed a seller (no names mention) requested payment, even though nobody had a chance to come up to pay for their purchases! With the checks, we will be able to cut a check to pay the sellers. 4) Payment by Check: I don't know what the final outcome will be on this subject, but it does not look favorable. To much possible hassle with bounced checks, and this is a friendly auction. 5) Payment at end of auction except for e-mail bids. The Fest III auction was a smashing success (except for the Gram failure, which led to lack of publicity, and blame Yahoo, not Fred. I know he sent it out, 'cause he sent the Gram from my computer in front of me!) But naturally, someone had to be the proverbial fly in the ointment. Apparently, this person bid on several lots, and then wished to pay over time to the seller, without the prior approval of the seller, much to the disconcertion and chagrin of the seller. - I'll take the change for those two words in unmarked five's and ten's... :o) Therefore, it has been decided that anyone bidding on lots in any future auctions, must pay for those lots at close of auction. The sellers would like to get paid, and lots in which the proceeds are scholarship donations could go home immediately with Marcus Turner, who's in charge of the scholarship fund. 6) Payment for winning email bidders: The only exception to the above rule, concerns the email bidders. They will have the obligation to have a check or money order in the proper hands no later that 21 days from close of auction. This year was not a problem, and a special thanks goes to the winning email bidders. Other than that, this years auction was really smooth. We had 110 lots total, which were auctioned off in 120 minutes. This as we know was (thankfully!) not a "bullet" auction. This means an average of just over a minute per lot... Between the detailed descriptions, and the camaraderie, we feel the auction progressed very well. Also of the 110 lots, ONLY 10 of which were no sales. Not bad considering there were only 29 attendees and e-mail bids on 5 lots. If anyone has anything to add or discuss about the Fest auctions, sing out. We want to make next years auction better than this years! Meeting a Bookmaker by Larry "Ski" Smulczeski Wednesday February 27 was an exciting day. Fred and I drove to Ann Arbor, Michigan to pick up the new MPC book. I have to rave a little and tell you that I had the honor of opening the very first book out of the packing cases. Let me tell you guy's and gal's, it's magnificent. If I an an Olympic judge I'd give it a 5.9 and tat's simply because you have to leave room for the next edition to be a little better. Lots more information, including the multiple printings, pictures of recently uncovered proofs and essays of unused MPC designs. Personal experiences with MPC, newly discovered MACV cards/pay records and a wealth of other data. There is no way that you'll do anything but love it. I also was fortunate to get a guided tour of the printing plant where the book was printed and assembled. This is some operation. Barry took time to explain the operation of each printing press and assembly machine. There were web presses that printed on both sides of a continuous roll of paper and sheet presses that can print up to four colors on a run on one side of a stack of sheets, the have to set aside to dry before the other side can be printed upon. I now know why Fred says that he has to work in multiples of 32 sheets. That sheet press prints 16 pages on both the front and back of a large sheet of paper. The equipment then takes that large sheet of printed paper and folds, cuts, and trims it into 32 consecutive pages in the book. The printing industry calls this a signature. When the various signatures are printed a machine collates them into the printed part of the book. each has a small mark o the spine. When the entire books is collated these small marks together form a diagonal line down the spine of the book. This tells the checker that the book is complete and no part is missing, but you the reader never see that. All you know is that your pages follow in sequential order. The book then goes to the sewing machine where the various segments are permanently bound together. Cheaper books like paper backs are glued, not sewn. At the same time, other machines are gluing the printed cover to the card board make the hard cover of the book. The two meet and are glued together. The finished product is stacked in piles, from where they are packed into cases for shipment. I really feel that seeing this will be one of the highlights of the trip. More next week! ============================================== Editorial ---------------------------------------------- We are somewhere between pleased and excited to welcome Phil "IWANTMYMPC" Goldstein as our newest weekly Gram columnist! The commitment of our columnists in large part guarantees the continuation and success of the Gram. I am certain that Phil as well as the rest of the columnists would be pleased to receive suggestions for discussion topics either directly or via letters to the Gram. I know from long experience that thinking of the topic is very often the most difficult part of writing an article and a regular column in particular. About the only thing together than a weekly column is a daily one! Welcome, Phil, and, thanks guys! ============================================= Mail Call ---------------------------------------------- Hello I have not been getting the Gram for about a month now, ( which may be due to having a new email address, but I previously sent it in ), my brother Rod has been sharing his copy with me ( it gets a little dog eared by the time I get it). Can you look into why my Gram is not being delivered and update my subscription. Thanks . Wes Wes, Thanks for writing. Hopefully, your problem will be corrected today. We think that we have most of the disribution matters for the Gram resolved, but one of the little things that will continue for some time is fixing the mailing list. I had planned on making a stab at humor by telling everyone who was not receiving the Gram to speak up. You proved that possible! Thanks for writing. What are you finding for your collection these days? Editor ============================================== Departments ------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------- Special "MPC" events 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 2003 CPMX 9 Feb 20-23, MPC Fest IV 28 Feb - 2 Mar, Port Clinton, OH (Fest Registrants: Leo May$$, Tom Warburton, Guido Crapanzano, Dick Freyser, Harold Kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Kevin Maloy, Doug Bell, Marcus Turner, Phil Goldstein, Jack Lippincot, Nick Shrier, David Seelye, Joe Boling, Gary Hicks, Fred Schwan, running total 17) ANA 19-22 March Charlotte, NC 2004 CPMX 10, Feb 26-29, MPC Fest V 5-7 March, Port Clinton, OH 2005 CPMX 11, 24-27 Feb, MPC Fest VI, 4-6 March, Port Clinton, OH --------------------------------------------------- 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 Mr. 691 Ort Cowles Neil Shafer Bill Yanchick John & Nancy Wilson Dave Amey Tim Kyzivat Gary Hicks ==================================================== 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 Please contact these dealers for your collecting needs. Find the HCL anytime/anywhere via the internet. Go to www.papermoneyworld.net/hcl.htm. 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 cjcpi@comcast.net Guido Crapanzano [39] 2-8056228 [39] 2-4459856 Currency Dealer Newsletter (310) 515-7369 David F. Cieniewicz (205) 852-7015 CGC (602) 493-4758 (602) 494-9103 sales@gradedcurrency.com Cygnet Charters (419) 734-2422 Ray Czahor (301) 604-9225 cjcpi@comcast.net 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 (419) 732-6683 Mike Cummings (863) 603-9899 (863) 603-9880 mpccoin@hotmail.com Great Lakes Bank Note Co (419) 732-6683 IBNS joeboling@aol.com Essie kashani (909) 627-3996 (909) 627-2776 kashani10@aol.com 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 bobreed@rrcoins.net 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. FOR SALE: ALLIED MILITARY CURRENCY OF ITALY, Series 1943 M10a Forbes 1 lira F $1 VF $3 XF $6 AU $9 M10b BEP 1 ira VF $3 XF $6 AU $9 CU $15 M11a Forbes 2 lire VF $2 XF $4 AU $6 CU $10 M11b BEP 2 lire VF $2 AU $6 CU $10 M12a Forbes 5 lire VF $2 XF $4 AU $6 M12b BEP 5 lire AU $8 M13a Forbes 10 lire F $10 VF $25 XF $50 AU $75 M13b BEP 10 lire F $10 VF $15 M14a Forbes 50 lire G $3 VG $6 F $10 M14b BEP 50 ire VG $6 F $9 VF $12 M15a Forbes 100 lire VG+ $75 M15b BEP 100 lire VG+ $75 F $100 (Short Snorter) Please confirm at hoffman@rabbitbrush.com 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 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing VF 55.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing VF-EF 80.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing EF 90.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing EF-A.UNC 135.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing A.UNC 175.00 Series 481 1 Dollar 3rd printing CH. UNC 300.00 Series 481 5 Dollars 1st Pinting VF 155.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 1st printing VF 80.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 1st printing EF 300.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd printing VG-F 30.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd print F tape residue 30.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd printing F-VF 55.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd printing VF 80.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 2nd printing EF 300.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 3rd Printing F-VF 65.00 Series 481 10 Dollars 3rd printing VF 75.00 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 MPC checks from unusual places, Morocco, Libya, even France. WANTED Souvenir Card 'MPC Fest I' from the first MPC Fest. if you have any of this material for sale, advertise it in the Gram =================================================== 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 ===== 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!? Yahoo! Greetings - send holiday greetings for Easter, Passover http://greetings.yahoo.com/