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MPC Gram
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Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics
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Series 003 - Number 586      Saturday, 06 APRIL 2002
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__328 days to Fest IV__


FEATURED ARTICLE



MPC FEST III / "TRI-FESTA 2002"

By Harold Kroll

     The GREATEST weekend in the world is now in the history books. Where all the crazy and die hard MPC collectors coming from all across the country spend three days enjoying the world of MPC and the best fellowship you can find. Larry Smulczenski, Fred and myself returned to Port Clinton Sunday evening after the CPMX show in Chicago to get started on the projects for the Fest. Fred and I went to Ann Arbor where the book was being manufactured to pick up a load of books, almost 1300 books on 2 pallets. Of which my trusty Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel handled very well, by the way. While there was able to take a tour of the facility and was surprised to see how a book is actually manufactured. A lot of the equipment was shut down as we there during a shift change but what I did see was facinating and I learned a lot about the process, a lot more than I knew before. MFC notes were being printed, and yet the cutting, numbering, etc. still needed to be done, as one of the many projects going on. Ah yes, also MFC chits were being prepared. All the minor details and a few big ones were being finished up for this event.

     MPC Fest III took place March 8, 9 & 10, 2002, and once again in Port Clinton, Ohio. Here 30+ attendees had the pleasure of seeing the release of the 4th Edition of the Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates, by Fred Schwan. The long awaited new release was an overwhelming success and I feel all the anticipation was worth the wait, congratulations Fred, a task well done. As with past Fests, the excitement starts to grow on Thursday, as more of the Festers arrive for the weekend and everyone gets together to hear what is going on in each others world of collecting, additions, new finds, trades, etc. It just hit me while typing the first sentence, past Fests, we are using plural when talking about this event, isn't this fantastic and we are going for the 4th, WOW.

     By Friday afternoon everyone is wound up and anxoius to get started. Many trades of notes and information have already taken place with more to come.Fridy evening kicks off with a cordial atmosphere and things start to roll, pay call is announced for travel pay to the fest and is paid in Series 011 MFC notes. Each Festers pay is based on how many events the attendee has participated in. Only problem was that the paymaster ran out of MFC money and had to issue Emergency Pay Coupons to be redeemed when valid supplies of MFC arrived. The coupons were issued in $33.00 amounts and even with these we had to revalidate the coupons to fit the needs of each festers pay requirements. All in all, it seemed to get everyone paid. This year produced some new items of interest, a twelve and half cent chit, issued in sheets of 40 chits with a face value of $5.00. Each sheet is serial numbered as were the chits themselves. These were used to purchase refreshments, medals, etc., that were available. Yes, there was new challenge coins issued this year dated 2002, they are available to anyone that is interested in one. There were 2 new souvenir cards issued again this year, the "OFFICIAL" card had the 471 $10.00 replacement note from the Leo May collection, a great note. The second, "UNDERGROUND" card as it has been dubbed, showed the NEW discovery of the Joint Export-Import Agency Travellers' Coupons issued in Reichmarks, issued before the Currency Reform of June, 1948.  

     Saturdays events covered a lot of material, including the drawing for the "Monster Sets" of the new catalog. I was fortunate to get set number 2 as Doug Bell was one of the first names drawn from the hat and he took number 2 and traded it to me for another number set, thanks Doug, I really appreciated that! There was a lot of talk concerning the new book and everyone was talking about all the new additions and information that has been added. To find out what all the buzzing is about, you have to get yourself a new copy of the book. There were several show and tell sessions,  vignettes by Marv Mericle, Marcus Turner brought us up to date on the scholarship fund, a "Special Thank You" to every one that has supported this project. A display of a Progressive Proof set of the Morocco 100 Franc note, S/B #1504, 9 notes each face and back showing the printing steps and how the different colors and plates come together in the making of a note, with a note each showing the finished note face and back. Al Glaser spoke on a new find in the BAFSV notes which was very interesting to all. Conversion of Series 011 MFC to Series 022 took place Saturday afternoon, notes issued were in the denominations of, 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, 5.00, (devalued 50.00), 10.00, 20.00 and 50.00. The new issue was well received and for those of us that collect special serial numbers, the hunt was on. Trading activity was at an all time high trying to find the notes to make a set of Fest money. A few training notes were found laying around and were disbursed to the festers, check it out. Also a few notes from 002 stamped FEST III TEMP. were found with and without a VOID stamp on them after conversion had taken place.

     Sundays big attraction was the 2nd Annual Scholarship Auction, it was another great success. Hats off to Phil and Larry for the magnificent job they did. The auction made enough to award at least 2 schorships this year, which is great! For anyone wishing to donate for next years auction, get your items in early, next year they are going to have auction items ready to be on the internet so many more can bid in the auction. This takes a lot of preplanning so help them out by early submissions. Well I've rambled on about this years fest, enjoyed every minute of it and look forward to next years event. I have already registered for Fest IV, have you??

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EDITORAL


Hats off to Harold for his well written Fest report. Maybe we should make him the "official" Fest, Seminar and Show correspondant? Feel up to the task Harold? ass't ed.

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MAIL CALL


Good morning! Reference is made to:  MPC Gram Series 003, Number 584, Thursday (sorry,THURSKI) 4 April 2002, Calandar of Events, 2003, MPC Fest IV. I am looking for the revised definition of "running total."  At the location cited, I find the statement "running total= 17."  BUT, unless I count the split-line-name (Doug Bell, I believe), I only count 16 people.(I realize mine isn't there but the fest is at the wrong time of the yearfor those of us living in Iowa). Just wondering.
Rusty


Hey Rusty! Sweet catch. I fixed it. Phil


Dear Editor,
It should be even harder, mathematically to find an all even note. While there are 5 odd digits,
1,3,5,7and 9, there are only 4 even digits 2,4,6, and 8. Oooooops! Isn’t zero,’0’, an even digit?
No it is not. Zero is neither even nor odd! It’s been a long time, but that’s how I remember it. Best,
Mel S.


Mel, thanks for the letter!
See, thats what I'm saying! Some consider 0's to be even, others neutral. But I solved that dilemma, I look for &  collect both!
Phil


Hey Phil,
Looking thru my MPC set this morning and found the following even number notes.
541       $5        F04220868F
611       .10       H00282680  
692       $20      E00026282   
Will keep looking and adviseof other finds on these serial numbers. Have a GREAT DAY!
Kid

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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
Mike Cummings                                    (863) 603-9899       (863) 603-9880            
   mpccoin@hotmail.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
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
Peter Huntoon                                       Smithsonian Research
                               peter.huntoon@att.net
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               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 shipping about March 5. 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 F1112000
(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:


Publisher and Editor:                            Fred Schwan -                              MPCGram@yahoo.com

Assistant Editor:                                   Philip M. Goldstein -                   IWANTMYMPC@aol.com
Distribution Manager:                         Brad Peacock -                              bp22@swbell.net
Tuesday Columnist :                            Joe Boling -                                   JoeBoling@aol.com
Thurski Columnist:                               Larry "Ski" Smulczenski -           skifla@prodigy.net
Friday Columnist:                                 Philip M. Goldstein                       IWANTMYMPC@aol.com
Critic:                                                      Harold Kroll -                                HARBONS@aol.com

Scholarship Coordinator:                    Marcus Turner -                           maturner@indy.rr.com
Fact Checker:                                         Warner Talso -                             
Calendar Coordinator:                          John & Nancy Wilson -
Index Manager:                                     Ed Beaman -                                  ebeaman@sprynet.com
    
Webmaster & Technical Advisors:   Doug Bell "Wiz" -                        doug@papermoneyworld.net
                                                                Russ Walsh -                                russ.walsh@gte.net
The Boss:                                               Judy Schwan -