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by Philip M. Goldstein
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WESPMEX: 12 -14 April
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Dealers and resources for collectors:
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FOR SALE
WANTED
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MPC Gram
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Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics
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Series 003 - Number 596 Tuesday - 16 APRIL 2002
___________________
__318 days to Fest IV__
FEATURED ARTICLE
America may scale down European bases
By Rupert Cornwell in Washington
submitted by R. Balbarton
12 April 2002
The Bush administration is planning a major shake-up of the country's military high command, to speed up
the creation of more streamlined armed forces for the post-Cold War world.
The changes, including the first appointment of a Marine to head NATO, elaborated by the Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, and approved by President George Bush, involve four of the US regional commands worldwide, as well as two of the four services.
Most importantly however, they signal Mr. Rumsfeld's determination to create a more flexible military for the 21st century, despite resistance from the entrenched Pentagon bureaucracy.
The most striking move is the expected nomination of General James Jones, commandant of the 170,000-strong Marine Corps, to be the new supreme commander of NATO. General Jones will replace Air Force General Joseph
Ralston, who will step down at the end of the year.
The NATO job, which was also held by Dwight Eisenhower before he was president, and the former secretary of state, Alexander Haig, can be fraught with political danger - as General Wesley Clark, General Ralston's predecessor who was sacked after the Kosovo war, can testify.
General Jones, raised in France and a fluent French speaker, has a reputation as an innovative soldier. As Marines commandant, he leads the service most used for far-flung interventions and peacekeeping missions - which Pentagon planners believe will be the shape of warfare to come.
The arrival of a Marine general in Brussels may foreshadow a scaling-back of fixed US Army bases in Europe, most of them installed to counter a vanished Soviet threat. Such steps have been hinted at on several occasions by the Pentagon since Mr. Rumsfeld took office in January 2001.
The other key change is the probable promotion of General John Keane to become the army's new chief of staff. General Tommy Franks, head of Central Command and in charge of the campaign in Afghanistan, will stay in his job, Pentagon officials said.
SHOW REPORT - WESTPMEX, NEW YORK
Like I said in a previous gram, it always seems when there is a big show going on, there always a Westchester Paper Money Exposition & Show scheduled for same weekend! That's good... because it keeps the competition out of my hair and leaves the goodies for me - LOL! BTW, I had made a mistake with my listing in the Gram, as this was the small 100 table show. That does not mean, I didn't find anything...
As I start canvassing the floor, I see a regular table holder and who is a World Paper Money dealer. We became friends over the course of time. He is Spanish and speaks hardly any understandable English, so he has his younger son translate the more complicated deals. With a happy grin he welcomes me and he then digs out a 5" x 8" sleeve out of his briefcase, and hands it to me saying through his son he held these with me in mind. There were about 20 MPC notes. All common, and all circulated, but I went through them anyway. As I carry both Harold's High Serial Number List, and Doug's Position Number List with me, it does take a few minutes to check each note. I seemed to the source of some sort of amusement for when I looked up, he was smiling and pointing me out to other WPM collectors saying (in broken English) "Positions Numbers collector!" In this group, I found no high serial numbers, but I did find 4 notes with Position Numbers that Doug needed. The best two of those where a Series 481 $1, Position Number 1 on the right, (that's right: a denomination / position number match) and Series 481 .10 with PN 84. Doug was more ecstatic about this note, as this was the last note he needed, because it completes his Series 481 10¢ PN group. After paying and bidding my friend a good evening, I search the rest of the floor to no avail.
As I'm getting ready to leave with my female company, I hesitate... She asks what's wrong? I tell her I have this nagging feeling I'm missing something... I search the floor again. Nothing. Again we go to leave, and again I stop by the door. She says not again... I say I can't help it! I know I'm missing something... I search the floor again, and this time, I found what was keeping me from leaving: a set of 3 consecutive Series 461 10¢ notes. I asked to see the notes. The dealer who has them, has them marked au/unc and are priced $60 net for the three. I recognize the dealer, who is notorious on the bourse to be overpriced, over graded, and rigid in dealing. But immediately on examination, you saw they were not as graded and that they are lightly circulated. (Fred once made a mention that finding circulated consecutive notes are a lot tougher than uncirculated consecutive.)
I pointed this out to the dealer and haggled with him for about 10 minutes at the beginning of the show. He would not budge, saying he's priced them accordingly, and to the April green sheet. I say the green sheet don't know squat... I immediately whip out the 4th Edition book and launch into a salemans pitch on how new the book is, only released one month ago, show him the appropriate prices for that grade and if Fred's catalog prices are lower the green sheet prices, you know something is wrong... He starts to hem and haw. I say well, there not worth it at that price. I suggested he might have an impartial party grade them, and I put them down and walked away.
I walk across the room to the refreshment counter with company in tow, to watch this scene unfold. While I'm sipping on a soda, and after 3-4 minutes, he turns around to a dealer behind him, with the MPC notes in hand. They talk, a little heatedly, and I watch the dealer with the MPC scribble something on the holder containing the three notes and place back in case. By this time, my date is getting impatient, and I say we'll leave a few more minutes. MPC FIRST! I saunter back over to that aisle, and casually work my way up the opposite side of aisle. As I pass him, he calls out to me, and says he'll do better on the notes. He lowered the price from $60 to $45. He explains he is not experienced with MPC, nor does he regularly purchase it for resale. I tell him no problem, but I suggest he start purchasing MPC as it is the up and coming area of paper money, and I'm almost always at every WESTPMEX show. I think about the notes at $45 and say I'll take them. He is now quite happy he says, as he didn't want them sitting in his case until next show. And I'm quite happy, as I now have a set of three consecutive Series 461 10¢ (my previous earliest set was Series 472 5¢ notes) and that these were circulated, not unc. The Serial Numbers are: A01996615A xf, A01996616A xf, A01996617A au.
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EDITORIAL
Fred brought up a good point regarding this scaling back of the military: the closure of military banking facilties, and with that the loss of MBF Checks. What are we going to do!?!? I don't know if I can live without my MPC & MBF checks... Ass't Ed.
MAIL CALL
Thanks Larry, for the nice plug for the Society of Ration Token Collectors. If any Gramster has a question concerning rationing in the US during WWII, I would be happy to try and answer them. E-mail me at: DKolkman@aol.com
Don
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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
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$$, Tom Warburton, Guido Crapanzano, Harold Kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Kevin Maloy, Doug Bell, Marcus Turner, Philip M. Goldstein, Jack Lippincot, Nick Shrier, David Seelye, Joe Boling, Gary Hicks, Fred Schwan, Dick Freyser.
Running total: 16
$$ = 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
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:
Dave Amey Gail Baker Keith and Sue Bauman Ort Cowles Guido Crapanzano Howard A. Daniel, III Steve Feller Gary Hicks
Ed Hoffman Harold Kroll Tim Kyzivat R. A. Medina
Leo May Marv Mericle Mr. 691 David Seelye
Joel Shafer Neil Shafer Warner Talso Mark Watson
John & Nancy Wilson Bill Yanchick
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HOT CONTACT LIST
They deserve your support and patronage!
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
Guy Araby guyaraby@earthlink.net
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
POST / BASE EXCHANGE (PX/BX/NEX)
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 PayPal 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 Souvenir Card 'MPC Fest I' from the first MPC Fest.
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.
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
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)
Page 287, Series 661 Series Summary, 25 cent note: the "list" shows "#CU as 10(7) . It should read, 8(7). As only 8 are known in CU. Just recount P.289.
Guy Araby (date listed 08 APRIL 2002)
Page 398, Series #541 $10 on "UNC." price is $2500, on P.214 the UNC. price is $3500. Also the rest of the prices don't match all the way to "VG" on this issue. They should be the same price.
Guy Araby (date listed 08 APRIL 2002)
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 -