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MPC Gram
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Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics
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Series 003 - Number 585,      Friday - 05 APRIL 2002
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__329 days to Fest IV__

FEATURED ARTICLE

How Odd It Is.

By Philip M. Goldstein

      If you are into MPC, as I'm sure most of us who read the gram are, you might have gotten bored after collecting and completing your basic 94 note set. In which case, (I'm sure if you haven't already) you found or will find yourself looking for unusual notes as I have been.

      One such area, is even and odd numbered notes. We're not talking something simple as having the last digit as even or odd, I'm talking ALL 8 digits being even or odd. Sounds tough? Well yes and no. From a statisical point, all even notes are generally easier (not easy, just easier) than all odd notes. The reason?

      The first all even note would be 00000002. Too recognizable to be considered "just" an all even note. But you can have 00046824 or 02804662, which are insignificant numbers other than being all even. But what I'm trying to say is, all even notes can be found from the very beginning of the serial number range.

      However, you have to go through 11,111,110 notes before you get to the first all odd digit note. Which coincidentally  happens to be the 11111111 solid. (Again way too recognizable to be just an all odd note!) So, you have 11111113, and so on up.

      The bottom line is, you have to have a number that is in or above the 11,111,111 range. Sound simple? Remember this: quite a few MPC notes had printings less than 11 million. Therefore a lot of MPC notes can never have an all odd note, which puts all odd notes at a disadvantage to the all even notes.

      I was discussing this with Fred the other day, who I have to honestly say, enlightened me as to why all odd notes are tougher to locate. If I remember correctly, he never came across one. We kicked the theories around for a while, and finally I had a brainstorm: why don't I check my list of serial numbers in numerical order? I know I don't have all that many notes in and above the 11 million range, but why not. After looking for a total of, oh about 60 seconds, I yell out "I've got one" over the phone!

      I don't remember exactly what Fred responded with, but he was quite pleased and did appreciate the fact there was at least one now known as nobody had repoted any until this time.   

My all odd note is:
Series 521 .10 -  13395933

Harold Kroll now reports the following: 11319577 and 15357935

Anybody else have any?


      Perceptive collectors and readers will also notice that my note is also an "almost" radar note: drop the 1, and you get 3395933. A 7 digit radar if you will. That's honestly, the section where I put the note in my album until now. Yes collectors, I have a section dedicated to 'almost" radars! Didn't I say how "odd" it was (or in this case, how odd I am?)  :o)

      Now, if you really want to get mean and nasty, and want to level the playing field somewhat, you can only go after all even notes that start in the 20 million range... AND have no zeros in the serial number. Since there were even fewer MPC notes that had printings in excess of 22 million, and you are now eliminating a numeral, it gets real tough. Reference page 51 of the Catalog of Military Payment Certificates - 4th edition. Fred has already listed a chart with notes with printings above 11,111,111 and 22,222,222.  I've been looking for a few months, but with no success. Although I personally consider the numeral zero to be even,  and I do pick up all even notes containing the numeral zero, you may chose not to. I have about 6 or 7 already. But I can't wait to get my hands on and all even, no zero note.

      You may wish to do other wise. But I definitely would like to know if you've got one!

      The lowest all even note I own would be:
Series 641 .05 Replacement   00000222
and my highest all even note would be a
Series 461 $10                        40204008

      Now to make this whole topic even more interesting, the use of the PaperMoneyWorld Serial Number Database will facilitate the searching for these types of notes. So, break out those notes and start logging them into the database! Here is the link to PaperMoneyWorld.net Serial Number Database:

I found these two letters while I was cleaning it out in the Gram mail box, and they are from some time ago. Don't know if they ever were published, so here they are:

      In my American Express bill, I received a sheet of promotions, including the following (capitalization theirs, not mine):Use Your Card to Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Online. U.S. Savings Bonds may now be purchased on-line directly from the U.S. Treasury using your American Express Card. The new EE Patriot and I Bonds are available in denominations from $50 to $1,000. They make a great gift and can provide a solid addition to your investment portfolio. To buy bonds online, visit www.savingsbonds.gov 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Joe

      Here are some bits and pieces I have found along the way.
1.  The following is taken from the text of correspondence between the Governments of the UK and Greece at the end of WWII.  I thought it might be of interest to the readers of the Gram.        
"The British Military Administration occupation currency in circulation in the Dodecanese will be redeemed within five days from the 7th, April, 1947, by the Greek Military Administration at the rate of 20.000 Drachmae to the B.M.A. Special provision will be made for conversion after the expiry of this time limit in cases where good cause can can be shown why such currency, legally acquired, cannot be presented for convention by the 12th April. The currency so redeemed will be tranferred to a blocked account. Its disposal will be a matter for subsequent negotiation between the two Governments in association with the settlement of administration costs." (The entire text of the exchange can be found at:)

http://www.hri.org/docs/mpadocs/96-02-01_1.mpadocs.html
 
2.  Ski's experience with computer generated notes should open our eyes to other possible computer related deceptions, especially overprints.  Using a laser printer to place the replacement "X" on supplemental francs would not be complicated and would turn an otherwise common note into a sought after one. 
 
3.  Finally, a photo came up for sale recently on ebay.  It was of GI's shooting dice prior to the Normandy invasion.  In the picture are supplemental francs.  The text accompanying the picture indicated it was taken May 30, 1944, but the picture itself does not identify when it was taken.  I downloaded the picture, but lost track of the auction.  I don't know whether it closed yet.  I will forward the picture when I can find where I saved it on my computer. Regards,
Jim Downey

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WESPMEX:   12 -14 April
Stamp, Coin and Paper Money Expo
175 tables
Westchester County Center, Bronx River Pkwy, White Plains, NY

ANA Seminar:   29 June to 5 July
W.W. II numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar, July 2002
Session I (Saturday, 29 June through Friday, 5 July, 2002)
Session II (Sunday, 7 July through Thursday, 11 July, 2002)
general events will return

2003
CPMX 9:   20-23 February,
MPC Fest IV:   28 Feb - 2 March, Port Clinton, OH
Fest Registrants: Leo May$$, Tom Warburton, Guido Crapanzano, Harold Kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Kevin Maloy, Doug Bell, Marcus Turner, Philip M. Goldstein, Jack Lippincot, Nick Shrier, David Seelye, Joe Boling, Gary Hicks, Fred Schwan, Dick Freyser.
Running total: 17
$$ = Paid
ANA:   19-22 March, Charlotte, NC

2004
CPMX 10: 26-29 Feb,
MPC Fest V: 5-7 March, Port Clinton, OH

2005
CPMX 11: 24-27 Feb,
MPC Fest VI: 4-6 March, Port Clinton, OH

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SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

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

or contact Marcus at:
maturner@indy.rr.com

Donors to 2002 Scholarship Fund:
Steve Feller                         Ed Hoffman                             Joel Shafer                          Gary Hicks
Harold Kroll                       Howard A. Daniel, III               Gail Baker                          Tim Kyzivat
R. A. Medina                      Keith and Sue Bauman             Mark Watson                     Dave Amey
Guido Crapanzano              Mr. 691                                   Marv Mericle                      John & Nancy Wilson
David Seelye                       Ort Cowles                              Warner Talso                      Bill Yanchick
Leo May                             Neil Shafer

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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!

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 Ass'n               (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
Larry Gibbs                                            (308) 635-7900                                                oth@prairieweb.com
Philip M. Goldstein                               (845) 254-MPC1 [6721]                                iwantmympc@aol.com  or  MPC Website
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       (419) 732-6683               FredSchwan@yahoo.com
David Seelye                                         (585) 594-1987       (585) 594-2311               coinman@rochester.rr.com
Richie Self                                              (318) 868-9077
R. M. Smythe                                         (800) 622-1880       (212) 908-4047               http://www.smytheonline.com/
Mel Steinberg & Son                           (415) 453-9750       (415) 457-4432               melsteinberg@mindspring.com
Military Trader                                      (800) 334-7165
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

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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.

FOR SALE

Allied Military Currency - Italy - Series 1943
M10a    Forbes        1 lira         F $1           VF $3        XF $6        AU $9
M10b    BEP           1 lira          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 lire        VG $6       F $9           VF $12
M15a    Forbes        100 lire     VG+  $75
M15b    BEP           100 lire      VG+ $75   F $100 (Short Snorter)

Allied Military Currency - Italy - Series 1943A
All Forbes printing with (F) secret mark
M18a    A-A          5 Lire         XF $10      CU $20
M18b    A-B          5 Lire         VF $5        XF $10      AU $15      CU $20
M19a    A-A          10 Lire       VG $4        F $6           VF $8        XF $10      AU $15     CU $20
M19b    A-B          10 Lire       VG $4        F $6           VF $10      CU $25
M20a    A-A          50 Lire       VG $3        F $6           VF $10      XF $20      AU $50
M20b    A-B          50 Lire       F $6           VF $10      XF $20
M21a    A-A          100 Lire     VG $10      F $15         VF $20      XF $30
M21b    A-B          100 Lire     F $10         VF $15
M21c    A-C          100 Lire     VG $10      F $20         VF (stain) $30
M22      A-A          500 Lire     VG/F $65  F $90
M 23     A-A          1000 Lire   VG/F $50  F $75         VF $100
Please confirm at: hoffman@rabbitbrush.com


Fourth edition Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates by Fred Schwan
Order yours now:
Standard Edition (400 pages!)                                                               $  50
Collectors’s Edition (432 pages!)                                                          $  95
Researcher's 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 Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
or PayPay using email: fredschwan@yahoo.com


Very interesting Replacement. Series 692 $10 (!!), serial number E00032007 pos 5. This SN demonstrates the system very well. Four positions completed = 32,000 notes. This then is from sheet number 7. Note is overall very fine, but looks extremely fine from the face. The centerfold that is strong on the back is not even noticable on the face. Two staple holes that saved the note from destruction 30 years ago at left. Yours for $3300, terms possible. Confirm at: fredschwan@yahoo.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 for sale in the above section as a reply. This is a trial, if you like it, send your list.

Collector wants All USAFFE and AUSA Free Samar notes All 125th Infantry Regiment and Markings Guerrilla notes. I am also interested in any and all Guerilla Municipal issues.

WANTED TO BUY: Bulk quantities of Afghanistan propaganda leaflets or related.

Looking for a Series 641 MPC, any denomination with the serial number J02283151J.

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MPC CATALOG CORRECTIONS & ENHANCEMENTS

Page 18, Bottom - Users of Military Payment Certificates
Check marks were omitted from production copies of books. Please check off the following:
Australia:           641, 661, 681, 692
Canada:            461 through and including 591
Korea:              641, 661, 681, 692
New Zealand:   641, 661, 681, 692
Thailand:           641, 661, 681, 692
United States:    All
(date listed: 02 APRIL 2002)

Page 207, #833/4  - Series 481 .25 4th Printing  (table listing serial number breakdowns)  line 5
Start Number is incorrect. It appears as:
(start) D14784001D   (end) D14784000D
Correct start number should be: D09408001D
PK6 (date listed: 03 APRIL 2002)

Page 214, #855/r2 - Series 541 $1 Replacements,
Ending serial number is incorrect
Correct number is F01112000
(date listed: 02 APRIL 2002)

Page 220, #884/2r - Series 641 .50 Replacements
On page 284, it is broken down into 2 printings. That's correct, BUT, on page 220 he lists only (1) printing reported. It should "list" both first and second printings. 
Guy Araby (date listed 04 APRIL 2002)

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Staff: