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MPC GRAM
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Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics

Series 003 - Number 629       Wednesday - 22 MAY 2002
___________________
__282 days to Fest IV__


FEATURED ARTICLE


by Bruce Potter

       Recently I attended  the ONA coin show in Oklahoma City.  I didn't find any big treasures, but I there were 6 or 7 dealers who had some MPC notes.  Only saw one note I was interested in but it was priced to high for me and the owner wasn't interested in bickering over  prices.  So I guess he still has it!!  The dealers there were really great in sharing their experiences and knowledge especially with "new" or younger collectors....no matter what the field of collection covered.  That's one thing special about "gifted" dealers.......their patience, help, and friendship in helping to entice a younger/new collector into the hobby.  I tip my hat to the all the people who volunteered their time and labor in organizing and running the coin show. NOW.......a short story to pass on to others.....
     
       I was bulls/////(oops!!!) was conversing with another veteran today and he was sharing some information with me that I thouhgt was interesting.  He was a Corpsman (Medic?) in the Navy and was stationed for awhile at Guantanamo Bay "Camp".  This was around 1968.  He stated that there are two airstrips there.  The "Camp" is on the SE corner of Cuba.  Any aircraft landing at the airstrip must fly east of the eastcoast circle around to the southcoast and then make their approach from the south side and fly a tight flight pattern in order to fly and land on U.S. base there.  The larger landing strip in on the west side of the camp and that is where the planes normally land and take-of....not much room for errors.  He said occasionally planes making an approach to land were actually fired upon by small arms fire of Cuban troops outside the wired perimeter.  The other airstrip is to the east side of the base camp.  I believe he said that helicopters used to land there.  He believes that small strip is where the "captive" guerillas from Afghanistan are currently being held.
    
       (Back to 1968 era)........he stated that it was normal for Cubans to be hired and brought onto the base to do various labor and tasks.  He stated that these individuals were outstanding workers and very dedicated in their assigned tasks.  I asked about the type pay they used there.  He stated that the U.S. troops were paid in U.S. money and MPC notes were not used there. 
    
       He further stated that "Cuban/Castro" rules stated that the "hired" Cubans COULD NOT enter the U.S. base with any Cuban possessions on them.  Therefore, special facilities had to be provided for the "Cuban" workers where they could disrobe and and leave their clothes (and possessions) behind (I imagine in lockers) and then travel to (via hallways?) to a facility on the U.S. side of the perimeter where they were handed matching work uniforms for them to wear.  Once, dressed in the "worksuits", they were then bussed to various parts of the base to conduct their work tasks.  When they left the U.S. base......I believe this process was reversed.  Anyway....on payday....the Cuban troops were payed their salary with a U.S. paycheck.  They were then taken to a facility where their paycheck was cashed and converted into U.S cash.  They had to keep their paycheck for return to Cuban territory. 
      
       Apparently, when they returned to their homes, they had to convert their money into Cuban Pesos (?).  Aapparently they gave their U.S. money (along with the Check stub) to banking officals.  This way the Cuban officials knew exactly how much money they had earned.  The "officials" reduced their wages with a special "Cuban tax" which was 60% of their pay.  However, the Cuban workers were still happy with only 40% of their pay.  Apparently, the 40% pay was still way above the normal/average wages in Cuba.  (This story is via my memory of our conversations so some discrepancies are possible.)

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MAIL CALL


Rosenblum Rare Coins mailbid sale closes on Thursday evening. Lots 1049-1053 are of special
interest to Gramsters. The entire catalog including pictures is
available for viewing at www.rosenblumcoins.com. Thanks,
Bill

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *


Fred:
I just finished perusing my copy of the new MPC catalog and I have one question.  In the section on military banking facilities there is a picture of a check for the MBC at Wheeling Air Base in Libya in the amount of $.76.  Since US currenct was prohibited in theater, how could this check be paid out in MPC since there was no $.01 denomination?
Regards,
Jim Downey


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EDITORIAL


Hello Gramsters! Good news for those of you who need a key note to add to your set. I am offering some of my key notes for sale below in the for sale section, and before I list on eBay. Consider this a special preview offer for Gramsters, as I need to raise funds for a recent purchase & your help would be very much appreciated. You will note, I have put my Series 541 $5 up for sale... At this time, I am unaware of any other for sale.  Here's your chance to fill that hole.

Readers: Still need articles for Grams.
Phil

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2002

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

WESPMEX:   27 - 28 July
Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 175 Dealers
Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY

WESPMEX:   11 - 13 October
Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 100 Dealers
Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY

WESPMEX:   29 November - 1 December
Westchester Paper Money Exposition - 160 Dealers
Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY

2003

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

$$ = Paid          Running total: 17



ANA:   19-22 March, Charlotte, NC

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SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

FILING IS CLOSED FOR 2002 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Donations now being accepted for 2003 scholarships.


For further information, please contact:


Military Numismatists
c/o Marcus Turner
8103 East US Highway 36
Suite 163
Avon, IN 46123

maturner@indy.rr.com

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HOT CONTACT LIST - DEALER & RESOURCE 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, or furnish information dedicated to this field. They have supported the new Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates with their advertising.

They deserve your support and patronage!

Name                                                       phone                    fax / cell                          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                                             (562) 945-7891      (310) 508-0018                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      (305) 720-0659                LeoMayEnt@aol.com or Wide World of Banknotes
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 SECTION:
For Sale ads will run for a period of up to 5 issues, or until sold.

Series 541 $5         front: vf+ / back: vf                                                            $2250
SN F02031284F      PN 4

MAKE NO MISTAKE - TO MY KNOWLEDGE THIS IS THE ONLY ONE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THIS TIME!


Series 541 $10       xf / xf                                                                                 $1250
SN F11420626F      PN 28

Series 591 $5         f / f - with hole in center from folding                                    $400
SN G01590625G           PN 49

Series 591 $10       unc - with 1/8" tear top dead center -                                  $3000
SN G02225825G           PN 29
cannot be seen when in holder - sharp square corners, the unc in Lyn Knights auction sold for 6k+, this is an affordable alternative                 
                                                                                                      
Series 611  $5        vf+ / vf+                                                                             $1300
SN H02336122H   PN 43

Series 611 $10       xf+ / xf+ gorgeous note. 3 light folds, but looks au               $450
SN 04598956H      PN 25

scans available upon request!
reply to Phil:  iwantmympc@aol.com


Series 471   1 Dollar                       F                                                     14.00
Series 471   1 Dollar                       VF                                                  29.50
Series 471   1 Dollar                       VF-EF                                            40.00
Series 471   1 Dollar                       EF                                                   85.00
Series 471   1 Dollar                       AU                                                 150.00
Series 471   1 Dollar                       CH. UNC       bent corner else    175.00
Series 471   5 Dollars                      F                                                    675.00
Series 471   5 Dollars                      VF                                                 1250.00
Series 471   5 Dollars                      EF                                                  2500.00
Series 471  10 Dollars                     EF                                                  600.00
Series 471  10 Dollars                     AU                                                1000.00
Series 471  10 Dollars                     UNC                                              2250.00

contact David Seelye at coinman@rochester.rr.com

(626)

ALLIED MILITARY CURRENCY - GERMANY, Series 1944
Serial number prefix:  0, 00,1 or dash (-)
P-191a    1/2 Mark   9 digit with F, prefix 0 or 00                       VF $3      XF $6      AU$8
P-192a    1 Mark,     9 digit with F, prefix 0, 00, or 1                  F $1         VF $2      XF$4       AU $5    CU $6
P-192d    1 Mark,     8 digit with dash, no F, prefix dash          F $1        VF $3      XF $5
P-193a    5 Mark,     9 digit with F, prefix 0 or 00                       F $1         VF $2      XF $4      AU $5    CU $6
P-193b    5 Mark,     9 digit no F, prefix 1                                    CU $10
P-193d    5 Mark,     8 digit with dash, no F, prefix dash          F $3        VF $5
P-194a    10 Mark,    9 digit with F, prefix 0                                VG $4      F $7        VF $15    XF$22     AU $30   CU $40
P-194a    10 Mark,    9 digit with F, prefix 00                              VG $6      F $10      VF $20    XF $30    AU $40
P-194b    10 Mark,    9 digit no F, prefix 1                                   CU $20
P-194d    10 Mark,    8 digit with dash, prefix dash                   F $7        VF $10
P-195a    20 Mark,    9 digit with F, prefix 0                                VG $3      F $6        VF $9      XF $20
P-195b    20 Mark,    9 digit no F, prefix 1                                   F $5        VF $12    XF $20
P-195d    20 Mark,    8 digit no F, prefix dash                            F $3         VF $6      XF $10   AU $15    CU $20
P-196a    50 Mark,    9 digit with F, prefix 0                                F $3
P-196d    50 Mark,    8 digit no F, prefix dash                            VG $2      F $3        VF $5      XF $10    AU $20
P-197a    100 Mark,  9 digit with F, prefix 0                                F $10       VF $15    XF $20
P-197b    100 Mark,  9 digit no F, prefix 1                                   VF $10    XF $17
P-197d    100 Mark,  8 digit no F, prefix dash                            VG $        F $6        VF $8      XF $12
P-198b    1000 Mark, 8 digit no F, prefix dash                           AU $75   CU $95
Contact Ed Hoffman at: hoffman@rabbitbrush.com
(622)


Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates - 4th Edition
by Fred Schwan

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


WANTED SECTION:
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.
Wanted listings will run for a period of 1 month.


WANTED - Fancy Series 641 fractional notes - any condition. (5/18)



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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 201, Bottom Right - Very last sentence on this page
Two serial numbers listed for the second printing of
Series 472 .50 cent notes.  The first serial number listed is obviously in error as a nine digit number: C040351392C   
Correct Serial Number is: C04035139C
D Freyser (date listed 10 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)

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)

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MPC Gram Staff:


Publisher:                                               Fred Schwan -                              MPCGram@yahoo.com

Editor:                                                     Philip M. Goldstein -                   IWANTMYMPC@aol.com
Subscription Manager:                        Doug Bell -                                   doug@papermoneyworld.net
Tuesday Columnist :                            Joe Boling -                                   JoeBoling@aol.com
Thurski Columnist:                               Larry "Ski" Smulczenski -           skifla@prodigy.net
Friday Columnist:                                 Fred Schwan -                               MPCGram@yahoo.com
Critic:                                                      Harold Kroll -                                HARBONS@aol.com
Distribution Manager:                         Brad Peacock -                              bp22@swbell.net

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

The Boss:                                               Judy Schwan -