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MPC GRAM
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Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics

Series 003 - Number 655       Thursday - 27 JUNE 2002
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__246 days to Fest IV__


FEATURED ARTICLE


Predictions and Observations
by Larry Smulczenski
      
       Six months have now gone by since we made our numismatic predictions for the year.  At the Memphis show, several announcements or discoveries were made that sort of fit right into those predictions that I made for the year 2002.  So I think it is about time to put on the old St. Louis Cardinal baseball cap and pull Ms. Prudy's old bowling ball from under the bed and see how Professor Thurski is doing. 
   
     Prediction 1.  Lets start off with a fairly safe one.  I predict that a new major collection will come on the market this year.  Now, I'm not copping out and considering the fabulous Leo May replacement collection that is being auctioned by Lyn Knight at CPMX in late February, early March.  I'm talking about a collection that no one expected to be sold at this time.  I feel this fairly certain based on the history of the many collections that have been sold over the years.  Fred Schwan can spend all night telling you stories about the fantastic collections of Elmer Smith, Jerry Voigt and Alex Kesselman that were sold.  So you can bet on this one, it's in the bag.

    Status 1.  Well it looks like the old bowling ball hit this one right on the nose.  We heard at Memphis that the fabulous, award winning MPC collection of Marv Mericle will go on the auction block either late this year or early next year.  Those of you that have been around for awhile will remember that this is the collection that Marv had stolen from him a couple of years ago and miraculously recovered intact and undamaged.  Marvin was away from home for Christmas of 1998 (don't quote me on the date) when some crooks entered his house through the garage and peeled open his safe.  They took the entire MPC collection plus some other of Marvin's collections and made off with them.  I feel that Marv was resigned to the fact that he would never see his cherished notes again.  But, one day he got a call from the FBI in Pittsburgh asking him to go and identify his collection.  It was recovered in a hoard of stolen property, complete and great shape. Most of the other collectibles taken were never found.  The thieves were apprehended and served, I believe a year in jail.  Amazing isn't it?   They are probably out now, ripping off someone else.  Anyway Marvin has exhibited this collection on numerous occasions and won awards with it.  It also was used to illustrate the latest edition of the Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates by Fred Schwan.  In other words, Marv's notes make up most of the plate notes for this book.  More details will be upcoming about the sale, but you can go to the bank with this one.  Better yet, you better start putting money in that bank, so you can participate in this auction. 

     Prediction 2.  Another one that I feel pretty confident about is that there will be a major new discovery made in military currency this year.  By that I mean something like a previously unknown MPC replacement note or a brand new Specimen Book.  Nearly all the unknown replacements have been found but a few are still unknown.  It seems that we get a major find at least once each year, so I'm comfortable with this one.
   
       Status 2. This is another one that the old Prof. hit right on the head pin with the old bowling ball.  This is one I had a hard time believing, but it appears that one of the Festers has come up with a Fourth Printing $5 Series 481 note.  All the records that we saw at the Bureau indicated that no $5 or $10 notes were printed during the fourth printing.  We have not seen this note yet except for a scan, so there is more to come, but it sure looks good and even has a "4 with serif" in the position number and is a higher than published serial number.  What a shocker!

       Prediction 3.  I also feel certain in predicting that a major military fiscal collectable will come out of the war in Afghanistan.  We all know that there are propaganda leaflets being dropped all over the country.  There should at least be one of them that is a safe conduct pass with the image of a banknote on one side.  There could also be "Wanted" leaflet for Osama with a bounty on his neck.  Or possibly could we see the reoccurrence of a money substitute such as a chit or token?  As the press virtually litters the landscape with U.S. dollars, and more and more of them get into the black market and opium market,  there is a good chance that we may see a money substitute.
   
       Status 3.  Boy, this one just popped up in the Gram this past week.  The BX/PX in Afghanistan is using coin substitutes, because of a shortage of small change.  Now that has to be an exciting new announcement. 

       Prediction 4.  Our government issued a Patriot Bond by overprinting an already issued Series EE bond.  I predict that someone in the Treasury Department will wake up and redesign these bonds to encourage our population to invest in them.  Something with patriotic vignettes--Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Minutemen etc.  I've noticed a surge of interest in bonds.  Because of this interest, look for some major discoveries in the coming year.
   
       Status 4.  This one has been a gutter ball so far.  The Patriot Bonds are definitely out there, but are simply the Series EE bond with the "Patriot Bond" overprint.  Nothing new and exciting as of yet. 

       Prediction 5.  I feel we have not heard the end of the 691/701 discoveries.  Look for the troika to come up with another major item, possibly a set of specimens or progressive proofs.
   
       Status 5.  The old bowling ball is three quarters of the way down the alley and heading for that 1-3 pocket on this one.  I saw some really great stuff at Memphis, not specimens or progressive proofs, but stuff that will knock your socks off.  However, I will let the holder write about his find before the old Professor takes credit for it.  There was an announcement at the M2C2 meeting that Mr. 691 has promised a nice surprise for every attendee at Fest Four (ForeFest).  So you better get your reservations in early. 

       Prediction 6.  The Gram is now almost two years old, and the number of subscribers increases weekly, however the number of overseas subscribers is limited.  I predict that the Gram will gain a huge number of overseas subscribers during the coming year and even be translated into several other languages.
   
       Status 6.  Well, what can I say.  No foreign language grams yet.  Matter of fact, we've had some hard times getting it out in English.  But the gram is going out to recipients in England, Denmark, Italy, Canada, Germany, Australia and a few more places I don't know about.  Not bad considering...
   
       Prediction 7.  The following is a prediction that has to have a lot going for it to come to pass, but I will predict that your editor will turn over a new leaf and organize his office.  While doing so he will uncover many valuable notes that belong to other collectors that have been misplaced in the black hole for years.  He will even find the item he had promised to sell and send to Ms. Prudy which she wanted to give to me a couple years ago for my 39th birthday.  This is a tough one.
   
       Status 7.  As I said, this is a tough one.  The operative phrase in this prediction, is "turn over a new leaf."  We did hear that Ms Judy had hired a new lawn boy that was raking up the leaves in the front lawn and that Fred had even ventured outside and picked one up.  Now whether he turned it over or not, who knows, but he told me that he did buy some new shelves for his office, that would get some of the books up off the floor and allow you to at least walk into the room.  That in itself is progress.  To top that off, I overheard him tell Ms. Prudy that he had an envelope with something in it for my this years 39th birthday and that is still over a month away.  Usually he is overnighting it the day before.  So maybe the old Prof. is on to something. 

       Prediction 8.  Gary Hicks will finally find the "fours" he has so faithfully been pursuing.  He may have to take up golf as a secondary avocation, and run from course to course, fairway to fairway chasing this well known golfing term.
      
       Status 8.  I haven't seen Gary since Fest Three.  He said something about passing on the "fours" because there was something else in his interest.  But one thing we know for sure is that he is a full fledged collector now and I'm sure that he will be at ForeFest.

       Prediction 9.  And finally I predict that the Thurski column will be nominated for and win a Nobel Prize for Literature.   Please don't bet the homestead on that one!
   
       Status 9.  The old Prof. not only threw a gutter ball on that one,  I think it bounced over into the next alley.  But really Gramsters, we appreciate all of you that we saw at Memphis that said you enjoyed the column and realized the time and effort that goes into it.

       So there it is, really pretty good prognosticating if I have to say so myself.  Any comments?

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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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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.


Germany -  WW2 Notegelt 50 Pfennig red & orange Land Baden 1947 CU $150.00
Germany -  WW2 Notegelt 5 note complete set from Stuttgart May 1945 issue CU $250.00
Greece -     WW2 1 Drachma Ionian Islands P-M11 dr. blue scarce issue CU $28.00
Japan -       WW2 domestic issue 10 Yen greens & black mishandled cu's (I have 3 in consecutive number) so I'll
                   call them XF+  $18.00 each    

I have more WW2 and world notes on my website: LeosWide World of Bank Notes
Contact Leo May at LeoMayEnt@aol.com
(639)



FOR SALE:  ALLIED MILITARY AUTHORITY CURRENCY FOR AUSTRIA. 1944 ISSUE
P-102b       50 Groschen          XF $1        AU $2        CU $3
P-103a       1 Schilling               F $2           VF $3
P-103b       1 Schilling               F $1          VF $2        XF $3
P-104b       2 Schillings             XF $3        AU $4
P-105         5 Schillings             VF $3        XF $4        AU $5
P-106a       10 Schillings          
(no fractional line in prefix number)      F $3     VF$4         XF $5        AU $6
P-106b       10 Schillings          
(with fractional line in prefix number)     VF+ $5
P-107         20 Schillings           F $3           AU $8
P-109         50 Schillings           VF $8        XF $10      AU $12
P-110a       100 Schillings        
(no fractional line in prefix number)       F $6     VF$8         AU $12
P-110b       100 Schillings        
(with fractional line in prefix number)    F $6     VF $8

RUSSIAN OCCUPATION - WWII - 1945 issue
P-113b       1 Reichsmark         VF $10    AU $20

ALLIED ISSUE FOR BELGIUM - GOVERNMENT IN EXILE - ISSUE 1-2-43
P-121         5 Francs                 F $3          VF $4        XF $5        AU $6
P-122         10 Francs               F $3          VF $4        XF $5        AU $6
P-123         100 Francs             F $10        VF $15      XF $20
P-124         500 Francs             F $50        VF $75

MILITARY ISSUE OF 1-8-46
P-M1         1 Franc prefix 'A'    F $15         VF $25
P-M4         10 Francs  prefix 'A'                 F $50

Please confirm availability with Ed @ hoffman@rabbitbrush.com



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)
WANTED - Philippine Guerrila Money (5/26)

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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:           
vacant
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 -