Status: U Return-Path: Received: from web12701.mail.yahoo.com ([216.136.173.238]) by walker.mail.mindspring.net (Earthlink Mail Service) with SMTP id u6il5u.8lrp.37kbi73 for ; Tue, 12 Feb 2002 12:45:34 -0500 (EST) Message-ID: <20020212174532.42497.qmail@web12701.mail.yahoo.com> Received: from [205.188.193.54] by web12701.mail.yahoo.com via HTTP; Tue, 12 Feb 2002 09:45:32 PST Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 09:45:32 -0800 (PST) From: MPCgram Subject: MPCGram 553/4 To: mpcgram@yahoo.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="0-1117968665-1013535932=:36431" --0-1117968665-1013535932=:36431 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii ============================================== MPC Gram ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics ---------------------------------------------- Series 003-Number 553, Tuesday, February 12, 2002 Asian Trip Report By Mike Cummings Here is my first report on my recent trip to Japan and Korea from January 23rd to February 6th. Departed Tampa International Airport for Tokyo via Chicago early on the 23rd, Wednesday morning, on United Airlines. Had my shoes ex-rayed at every stop along the way. Arrived in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon around 4 PM and took the Keisei Liner train into Ueno. The Keisei is a non-stop (actually these days it makes one brief stop) train into Tokyo from Narita Airport and it takes 60 minutes. I always stay at the same place in Tokyo and it is just a short walk from the station to the hotel, although not what I would call a leisurely stroll when carrying one very heavy carry on bag and two suitcases! I also stay in this area as there are many coin dealers in the Ueno area, at least 5 in Ueno and another 10 in the immediate area, one of which is the Kanda district. In Ueno the first dealer I always see is the owner of Arrow International Tokyo, Herb Cook. It is almost a tradition that we have sushi the first night. And beer! The next night Jerry Wojtas of Southern California and owner of Kosen Galleries arrived in Tokyo for the yearly Atami auction, the main reason for my trip this time. That night we DO NOT have sushi. Jerry looks upon sushi as something more akin to fish-bait than something humans should be eating. But he always has a good alternative choice: Korean BBQ. And beer! Actually the day Jerry arrived it was very cold and Herb drove to the airport to pick him up. He invited me to go along for the ride, but I declined as I told him I had only been to and from Narita at least a 150 times and would not really enjoy it and would probably not see anything I had not seen before, and especially would not relish getting stuck in the terrible Tokyo traffic. So instead, I actually had a great time doing something very enjoyable which I have not done for so long but used to do quite frequently. I attended the 14th day of the New Years Sumo Tournament at the the Kokugikan in Tokyo (located in Ryogoku) about a ten minute train ride for Ueno. So while Herb and Jerry were enjoying their drive (creeping along) on the expressway into Tokyo I was at the Sumo Stadium drinking beer and watching my favorite sport. And if you are into Sumo there is nothing like seeing it in person and close-up. TV just don't give you the sights, sounds and smell of live sumo. [Smells?!!!—Ed] On to the Atami Auction................... The yearly auction in Atami is held by the Oi Kosen Kai who holds a weekly Monday-night auction in downtown Tokyo. This yearly event is always held on a Monday and is a much-expanded version of the Monday night auction. I checked with a few people and found out that this was the 34th "Annual" Atami Auction held on January 28th, 2002. Actually on further questioning I found that for a while it was held a couple times a year so this was not actually the 34th year, no one was sure but that is how things often happen in Japan. Also I know for a fact that it has not always been held in Atami as I remember one being in Hokkaido to coincide with the annual Ice Festival there. But it is always in January. And now it is always held in Atami and at the same resort hotel, the Suiyotei. Atami is a hot springs resort and a very popular tourist spot for that reason. It is located southeast of Tokyo on the Izu Peninsula. Me Jerry and Herb drove down early Monday morning, about a two-hour drive. At that time of the morning (we left Herb's office about 6 AM in his car) it is especially beautiful as you go along the coast and Mount Fuji pops in and out of view as you wind thru the mountainous roads. We arrived about 8 AM and headed directly to the hotel lobby area where they have a lounge area with sofas and coffee tables. There, dealers meet and begin buying and selling their numismatic wares. This morning it was slow and an indication of things to come. Dealers from all over Japan (as far away as Hokkaido and Okinawa) normally attend and they did this year as well but a few faces were notably missing and probably because of the very weak market in Japan at present. Also many of the old timers are disappearing as they age. Not all are yet passed away, just too frail to attend. The auction begins at 10 AM and is an all day event, ending around 7 PM. It is a non-stop auction except for a brief lunch period when they hand out an obento (Japanese box-lunch) and juices and you can enjoy your lunch right there on the top floor of this luxury hotel with a great view of the Sea of Japan right below out the window of the 15th floor. Everyone in attendance is allowed to put up 15 items for auction and they ask that each lot be valued at 10,000 yen (about $75.00) or more. It is not free as it costs 20,000 yen ($150.00) to attend. Actually it is a bargain as this fee covers the auction, your lunch which is usually quite good, your room for the night, and a very nice evening dinner-party, Japanese style in a very large hall on tatami mats. This I enjoy immensely, because remember what I told you about Jerry and his dislike for raw and wiggly things (like eel). Well I get his portion of that stuff. Actually it is a lot like in the Army days when you traded different c-rations for other c-rations. I usually give Jerry my tempura or something similar for that delicious thinly sliced raw sashimi. After dinner and the obligatory speeches the karaoke begins and if you want you can get up on the stage and belt out your favorite song. Me Jerry and Herb just sit and listen and drink beer! And occasionally a sake or two. I have attended many of these Atami auctions over the years but do not think I was ever present when Joe Boling was in attendance, but Herb told me Joe was quite good and loved to get up on stage and belt out a song or two. Wow, and all these years I had believed Joe was a somewhat quiet shy person! This year’s auction went quite fast as usual. In order to auction that many lots off in a day's time they have to keep it moving. I would guess there are 1500-2000 lots total, maybe more. With no catalog prepared the auctioneer announces the item and starts the bidding. He will add some description as warranted such as, "a very high grade" or some similarly appropriate description. You are free to get up from your seat as many do and go to the front of the room and view the item more closely. Also the lots are lined up on a long, long table at the front and you can also look at the upcoming lots at your freedom. Usually the consignor has the right to reject any bid below his minimum and they normally ask before pulling it down to see if you'll accept a bid for less than what you listed it as. There is also a commission of course and it ranges from about 3 1/2 percent up to about 6. There are hundreds of different and widely variable items auctioned with a great emphasis on but surely not limited to, Japanese numismatics. For the MPC collectors there was NOTHING offered, some military related notes and coinage but not one MPC note auctioned. I was lucky enough to buy a couple pieces of Japanese occupation coins, the Java 10 sen prepared but never delivered to their colony in the Netherlands East Indies. This piece has NEVER been common (as catalog prices reflect), but in recent years has become RARE as one is seldom offered. And these were not auctioned, I just bought them from a dealer whom I had asked about them. There is as much dealing, probably much more, in Atami before, during and after the auction than at the auction itself. (Much the same as at coin shows here in the U.S.) There are signs in the auction room asking you to refrain from conducting private transactions during the auction but it is mostly ignored and as long as you are not creating a disturbance or talking too loudly no one will ever say anything to stop you. One interesting Japanese auction customs allows the consignor to put up a cash prize with his lot. It works like this and usually the consignor will give 1000 or 2000 yen, or even a 10,000 yen note to go with his lot depending on the value of the item. What happens is when the item comes up for auction and is actually sold, the under-bidder receives the cash prize, a sort of incentive to keep the bidding going. I kind of like this system. It is not done for most lots, but usually for something of real interest. All in all this year's Atami Annual Auction was a success but as noted earlier, a lot less attended and much lessor prices being realized for items due to the lackluster market prevalent in Japan in 2002 than in previous years. Next I'll report on my buying and selling trip to Korea where it was a little better, much better in fact. There I located some Korean coupons and other goodies. One find I have not even revealed to Fred yet. I thought I was dreaming............the first shop I located and purchased a CU original bundle of 541 $5.00 notes, oh yeh oh yeh, and they were all replacements...................and then............I woke up. Irradiated mailBy Joe Boling There have been several articles recently in the philatelic press about the hazards of irradiated mail in regard to paper products. Considerable quantities of mail have been subjected to extremely high doses of ionizing radiation. This isn't taking an x-ray; it's trying to kill anthrax spores. It takes a much higher dose to kill a dry spore than to kill a wet bacterium. The government and its contractors are still experimenting with the correct dose. In the meantime, the following kinds of damage have been reported that are being attributed to irradiation: browning of envelopes and their contents; embrittlement of paper; melting of plastic wrap around stamps; gum on mint stamps activated, with stamps sticking to each other and to their containers. In addition, postal workers are complaining about high levels of carbon monoxide being released from containers that have been irradiated. I have not seen reports, but I would expect the same problems to occur with plastic and metallic security threads and potentially with holographic and other appliques on banknotes (plus the damage that occurs to the paper itself). This, of course, has great significance to those of us who ship banknotes by mail. The primary regions where mail is being irradiated are DC/Northern Virginia and the New York area. I have not seen any reports about irradiation elsewhere, but there are plans to extend the program as resources allow. Tens of billions of dollars are being requested for this program. I recommend the following actions for protection of paper money in the mails. For those who are in known areas of irradiation, do not send valuable notes by mail. Use the more expensive carriers. If you are sending notes through the mail, even in areas not known to be using irradiation, and you cannot afford to lose the value of the shipment, insure it for full value and take the following additional steps. Keep examples of the envelope you use and the paper used for any accompanying letter or invoice. If feasible, have an example of one of more of the notes being shipped. If the shipment appears to be damaged when inspected on the receiving end, have it returned to you outside the mails (UPS, FEDEX, etc). When you file your claim for damage, include the examples of undamaged material that you saved back. Do not allow, if at all possible, the USPS to use the mails to move the damaged materials and your reference materials (that is, preserve those items from further irradiation). If any gramster has already had an adverse experience with irradiation of the mails, let's hear about it. ============================================== Editorial ---------------------------------------------- More technical help needed. With every Gram, we receive notices of undeliverable mail. Mostly we have ignored these and just considered them to be a nuisance. A few days ago in a spurt of unaccountable energy we decided to try to resolve a few of these each day and ultimately eliminate the annoyance. That went well for a few days. Today, I started to work on this project. The first name I encountered was a loyal Gramster who is well known to me. I checked his email address in several sources and found it to be correct. What to do? I certainly do not want to delete the address of an active Gramster. I would rather not receive the pesky notices, but do not see an easy alternative. Does anyone have a solution? ============================================= Mail Call ---------------------------------------------- Dear editor, After what seemed like forever, I received my Lyn Knight CPMX auction catalog yesterday. I have heard from several others how nice it was. But having it in your OWN hand to peruse is a sublime pleasure. Right up front is Leo's collection of MPC, followed closely by his replacement collection. The format is good and the color photos only enhance the verbal description. The general world notes are Great! With many represented from WW2 remembered. There is a excellent selection of POW notes from WW2, as well as a selection from Ruth Hills' collection of USA POW chits. The Korea and Thailand MPC's are listed separately from the rest of the MPC. They're located in the alphabetical section of World notes, not with the rest of the MPC in the front of the catalog. All in all it is a GREAT catalog and any MPC collector should have this in their library, to show off the note they can pedigree to Leo's Collection. David Dear Editor, There was excellent response to my ad in the MPC Gram. Four notes are sold and there are only 2 left. I want to add the position numbers per an email from Joe boling. These are the 2 remaining notes: 471 5 Cents position 60 521 5 Cents position 12 Could you adjust the ad for the sold notes and add the positions for the 2 remaining notes? Will have a check for you at CPMX! Thanks Tim Dear Tim, Thanks for the ad—and for the feedback. For the record, the check that you mention should go to Marcus Turner, but if you do not see him at CPMX, I will be happy to accept it for the scholarship fund. Tim offered a commission to the scholarship fund based upon sales in the Gram. For sale items are FREE in your Gram. Dump your dupes, move your inventory. Make way for more treasures by selling some stuff. Send us your ads of notes for sale. 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 March 2002 8-10 - MPCFest III - reservations in order received: Guido Crapanzano, Harold kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Gary "Got any fours" Hicks, Tom Warburton*, David Seelye, Jack Lippincot, Phil Goldstein, Warner Talso, Nick Schrier, 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, Fred Schwan {running total 29}] [missing "old" Festers: Dan Swartz, Leo May, (did I forget someone?), come on guys, give us your reservation, * honorary] 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 --------------------------------------------------- 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 ==================================================== 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 Currency Dealer Newsletter (310) 515-7369 Cygnet Charters (419) 734-2422 David F. Cieniewicz (205) 852-7015 Currency Grading & Certification (602) 493-4758 (602) 494-9103 sales@gradedcurrency.com Guido Crapanzano [39] 2-8056228 [39] 2-4459856 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 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. MPC for sale: Series 461 5 Cents VG 3.00 Series 461 5 Cents F 5.00 Series 461 5 Cents F-VF 6.00 Series 461 5 Cents VF 7.50 Series 461 5 Cents A.EF 12.50 Series 461 5 Cents stain EF 11.50 Series 461 5 Cents EF 19.00 Series 461 5 Cents A.UNC 45.00 Series 461 5 Cents UNC 63.00 Series 461 5 Cents GEM UNC 90.00 Please confirm at coinman@rochester.rr.com Here are the notes: 471 5 Cents Gem paper but centered low B00476053B position 60 $75 521 5 Cents AU E14877736E position 12 $12 Tim Kyzivat tkyzivat@kyzivatcurrency.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. =================================================== 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!? Send FREE Valentine eCards with Yahoo! Greetings! --0-1117968665-1013535932=:36431 Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii

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MPC Gram

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Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics

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Series 003-Number 553, Tuesday, February 12, 2002

Asian Trip Report

By Mike Cummings

Here is my first report on my recent trip to Japan and Korea from January 23rd to February 6th. Departed Tampa International Airport for Tokyo via Chicago early on the 23rd, Wednesday morning, on United Airlines. Had my shoes ex-rayed at every stop along the way.

Arrived in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon around 4 PM and took the Keisei Liner train into Ueno. The Keisei is a non-stop (actually these days it makes one brief stop) train into Tokyo from Narita Airport and it takes 60 minutes. I always stay at the same place in Tokyo and it is just a short walk from the station to the hotel, although not what I would call a leisurely stroll when carrying one very heavy carry on bag and two suitcases! I also stay in this area as there are many coin dealers in the Ueno area, at least 5 in Ueno and another 10 in the immediate area, one of which is the Kanda district.

In Ueno the first dealer I always see is the owner of Arrow International Tokyo, Herb Cook. It is almost a tradition that we have sushi the first night. And beer! The next night Jerry Wojtas of Southern California and owner of Kosen Galleries arrived in Tokyo for the yearly Atami auction, the main reason for my trip this time. That night we DO NOT have sushi. Jerry looks upon sushi as something more akin to fish-bait than something humans should be eating. But he always has a good alternative choice: Korean BBQ. And beer!

Actually the day Jerry arrived it was very cold and Herb drove to the airport to pick him up. He invited me to go along for the ride, but I declined as I told him I had only been to and from Narita at least a 150 times and would not really enjoy it and would probably not see anything I had not seen before, and especially would not relish getting stuck in the terrible Tokyo traffic. So instead, I actually had a great time doing something very enjoyable which I have not done for so long but used to do quite frequently.

I attended the 14th day of the New Years Sumo Tournament at the the Kokugikan in Tokyo (located in Ryogoku) about a ten minute train ride for Ueno. So while Herb and Jerry were enjoying their drive (creeping along) on the expressway into Tokyo I was at the Sumo Stadium drinking beer and watching my favorite sport. And if you are into Sumo there is nothing like seeing it in person and close-up. TV just don't give you the sights, sounds and smell of live sumo. [Smells?!!!—Ed]

On to the Atami Auction...................

The yearly auction in Atami is held by the Oi Kosen Kai who holds a weekly Monday-night auction in downtown Tokyo. This yearly event is always held on a Monday and is a much-expanded version of the Monday night auction. I checked with a few people and found out that this was the 34th "Annual" Atami Auction held on January 28th, 2002. Actually on further questioning I found that for a while it was held a couple times a year so this was not actually the 34th year, no one was sure but that is how things often happen in Japan. Also I know for a fact that it has not always been held in Atami as I remember one being in Hokkaido to coincide with the annual Ice Festival there. But it is always in January. And now it is always held in Atami and at the same resort hotel, the Suiyotei.

Atami is a hot springs resort and a very popular tourist spot for that reason. It is located southeast of Tokyo on the Izu Peninsula. Me Jerry and Herb drove down early Monday morning, about a two-hour drive. At that time of the morning (we left Herb's office about 6 AM in his car) it is especially beautiful as you go along the coast and Mount Fuji pops in and out of view as you wind thru the mountainous roads. We arrived about 8 AM and headed directly to the hotel lobby area where they have a lounge area with sofas and coffee tables. There, dealers meet and begin buying and selling their numismatic wares. This morning it was slow and an indication of things to come. Dealers from all over Japan (as far away as Hokkaido and Okinawa) normally attend and they did this year as well but a few faces were notably missing and probably because of the very weak market in Japan at present. Also many of the old timers are disappearing as they age. Not all are yet passed away, just too frail to attend.

The auction begins at 10 AM and is an all day event, ending around 7 PM. It is a non-stop auction except for a brief lunch period when they hand out an obento (Japanese box-lunch) and juices and you can enjoy your lunch right there on the top floor of this luxury hotel with a great view of the Sea of Japan right below out the window of the 15th floor.

Everyone in attendance is allowed to put up 15 items for auction and they ask that each lot be valued at 10,000 yen (about $75.00) or more. It is not free as it costs 20,000 yen ($150.00) to attend. Actually it is a bargain as this fee covers the auction, your lunch which is usually quite good, your room for the night, and a very nice evening dinner-party, Japanese style in a very large hall on tatami mats. This I enjoy immensely, because remember what I told you about Jerry and his dislike for raw and wiggly things (like eel). Well I get his portion of that stuff.

Actually it is a lot like in the Army days when you traded different c-rations for other c-rations. I usually give Jerry my tempura or something similar for that delicious thinly sliced raw sashimi. After dinner and the obligatory speeches the karaoke begins and if you want you can get up on the stage and belt out your favorite song. Me Jerry and Herb just sit and listen and drink beer! And occasionally a sake or two. I have attended many of these Atami auctions over the years but do not think I was ever present when Joe Boling was in attendance, but Herb told me Joe was quite good and loved to get up on stage and belt out a song or two. Wow, and all these years I had believed Joe was a somewhat quiet shy person!

This year’s auction went quite fast as usual. In order to auction that many lots off in a day's time they have to keep it moving. I would guess there are 1500-2000 lots total, maybe more. With no catalog prepared the auctioneer announces the item and starts the bidding. He will add some description as warranted such as, "a very high grade" or some similarly appropriate description. You are free to get up from your seat as many do and go to the front of the room and view the item more closely. Also the lots are lined up on a long, long table at the front and you can also look at the upcoming lots at your freedom.

Usually the consignor has the right to reject any bid below his minimum and they normally ask before pulling it down to see if you'll accept a bid for less than what you listed it as. There is also a commission of course and it ranges from about 3 1/2 percent up to about 6. There are hundreds of different and widely variable items auctioned with a great emphasis on but surely not limited to, Japanese numismatics.

For the MPC collectors there was NOTHING offered, some military related notes and coinage but not one MPC note auctioned. I was lucky enough to buy a couple pieces of Japanese occupation coins, the Java 10 sen prepared but never delivered to their colony in the Netherlands East Indies. This piece has NEVER been common (as catalog prices reflect), but in recent years has become RARE as one is seldom offered. And these were not auctioned, I just bought them from a dealer whom I had asked about them.

There is as much dealing, probably much more, in Atami before, during and after the auction than at the auction itself. (Much the same as at coin shows here in the U.S.) There are signs in the auction room asking you to refrain from conducting private transactions during the auction but it is mostly ignored and as long as you are not creating a disturbance or talking too loudly no one will ever say anything to stop you.

One interesting Japanese auction customs allows the consignor to put up a cash prize with his lot. It works like this and usually the consignor will give 1000 or 2000 yen, or even a 10,000 yen note to go with his lot depending on the value of the item. What happens is when the item comes up for auction and is actually sold, the under-bidder receives the cash prize, a sort of incentive to keep the bidding going. I kind of like this system. It is not done for most lots, but usually for something of real interest.

All in all this year's Atami Annual Auction was a success but as noted earlier, a lot less attended and much lessor prices being realized for items due to the lackluster market prevalent in Japan in 2002 than in previous years.

Next I'll report on my buying and selling trip to Korea where it was a little better, much better in fact. There I located some Korean coupons and other goodies. One find I have not even revealed to Fred yet. I thought I was dreaming............the first shop I located and purchased a CU original bundle of 541 $5.00 notes, oh yeh oh yeh, and they were all replacements...................and then............I woke up. 

                       Irradiated mail

By Joe Boling

    There have been several articles recently in the philatelic press 
about the hazards of irradiated mail in regard to paper products. 
Considerable quantities of mail have been subjected to extremely high doses of ionizing radiation. This isn't taking an x-ray; it's trying to kill anthrax spores. It takes a much higher dose to kill a dry spore than to kill a wet bacterium. 
  The government and its contractors are still experimenting with the 
correct dose. In the meantime, the following kinds of damage have been reported that are being attributed to irradiation: browning of envelopes and their contents; embrittlement of paper; melting of plastic wrap around stamps; gum on mint stamps activated, with stamps sticking to each other and to their containers. In addition, postal workers are complaining about high levels of carbon monoxide being released from containers that have been irradiated. I have not seen reports, but I would expect the same problems to occur with plastic and metallic security threads and potentially with holographic and other appliques on banknotes (plus the damage that occurs to the paper itself). 
    This, of course, has great significance to those of us who ship 
banknotes by mail. The primary regions where mail is being irradiated are DC/Northern Virginia and the New York area. I have not seen any reports about irradiation elsewhere, but there are plans to extend the program as resources allow. Tens of billions of dollars are being requested for this program. 
    I recommend the following actions for protection of paper money in the mails. For those who are in known areas of irradiation, do not send 
valuable notes by mail. Use the more expensive carriers. If you are sending notes through the mail, even in areas not known to be using irradiation, and you cannot afford to lose the value of the shipment, insure it for full value and take the following additional steps. Keep examples of the envelope you use and the paper used for any accompanying letter or invoice. If feasible, have an example of one of more of the notes being shipped. If the shipment appears to be damaged when inspected on the receiving end, have it returned to you outside the mails (UPS, FEDEX, etc). When you file your claim for damage, include the examples of undamaged material that you saved back. Do not allow, if at all possible, the USPS to use the mails to move the damaged materials and your reference materials (that is, preserve those items from further irradiation). 
    If any gramster has already had an adverse experience with 
irradiation of the mails, let's hear about it.

==============================================

Editorial

----------------------------------------------

More technical help needed. With every Gram, we receive notices of undeliverable mail. Mostly we have ignored these and just considered them to be a nuisance. A few days ago in a spurt of unaccountable energy we decided to try to resolve a few of these each day and ultimately eliminate the annoyance. That went well for a few days. Today, I started to work on this project. The first name I encountered was a loyal Gramster who is well known to me. I checked his email address in several sources and found it to be correct. What to do? I certainly do not want to delete the address of an active Gramster. I would rather not receive the pesky notices, but do not see an easy alternative. Does anyone have a solution?

=============================================

Mail Call

----------------------------------------------

Dear editor,

After what seemed like forever, I received my Lyn Knight CPMX auction catalog yesterday. I have heard from several others how nice it was. But having it in your OWN hand to peruse is a sublime pleasure. Right up front is Leo's collection of MPC, followed closely by his replacement collection. The format is good and the color photos only enhance the verbal description.

The general world notes are Great! With many represented from WW2 remembered. There is a excellent selection of POW notes from WW2, as well as a selection from Ruth Hills' collection of USA POW chits.

The Korea and Thailand MPC's are listed separately from the rest of the MPC. They're located in the alphabetical section of World notes, not with the rest of the MPC in the front of the catalog.

All in all it is a GREAT catalog and any MPC collector should have this in their library, to show off the note they can pedigree to Leo's Collection.

David

Dear Editor,

There was excellent response to my ad in the MPC Gram. Four notes are sold and there are only 2 left. I want to add the position numbers per an email from Joe boling. These are the 2 remaining notes: 471 5 Cents position 60 521 5 Cents position 12 Could you adjust the ad for the sold notes and add the positions for the 2 remaining notes? Will have a check for you at CPMX!

Thanks

Tim

Dear Tim,

Thanks for the ad—and for the feedback. For the record, the check that you mention should go to Marcus Turner, but if you do not see him at CPMX, I will be happy to accept it for the scholarship fund. Tim offered a commission to the scholarship fund based upon sales in the Gram. For sale items are FREE in your Gram. Dump your dupes, move your inventory. Make way for more treasures by selling some stuff. Send us your ads of notes for sale.

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

March 2002 8-10 - MPCFest III - reservations in order received: Guido Crapanzano, Harold kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Gary "Got any fours" Hicks, Tom Warburton*, David Seelye, Jack Lippincot, Phil Goldstein, Warner Talso, Nick Schrier, 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, Fred Schwan {running total 29}] [missing "old" Festers: Dan Swartz, Leo May, (did I forget someone?), come on guys, give us your reservation, * honorary]

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

---------------------------------------------------

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

====================================================

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

Currency Dealer Newsletter (310) 515-7369

Cygnet Charters (419) 734-2422

David F. Cieniewicz (205) 852-7015

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

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

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

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.

MPC for sale:

Series 461 5 Cents VG 3.00

Series 461 5 Cents F 5.00

Series 461 5 Cents F-VF 6.00

Series 461 5 Cents VF 7.50

Series 461 5 Cents A.EF 12.50

Series 461 5 Cents stain EF 11.50

Series 461 5 Cents EF 19.00

Series 461 5 Cents A.UNC 45.00

Series 461 5 Cents UNC 63.00

Series 461 5 Cents GEM UNC 90.00

Please confirm at coinman@rochester.rr.com

Here are the notes: 471 5 Cents Gem paper but centered low B00476053B position 60 $75 521 5 Cents AU E14877736E position 12 $12

Tim Kyzivat tkyzivat@kyzivatcurrency.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.

===================================================

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.


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