From: "MPCgram" To: ; Subject: MPCGram 687 Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2002 8:36 PM ============================================== MPC GRAM ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics Series 003 - Number 687-Wednesday 31 July 2002 Numbering machines by Joe Boling Serial numbers are applied to notes by letterpress, and (except in weird cases) they have to change every time a fresh piece of paper lands in the press. How is this done? Surely nobody is going to hand set a serial number in a line of type, lock up the type form with a set of quoins (does that sound like a numismatic term, or what?), and remount the type in the press for each sheet. Of course, that's not how it's done. You have all seen the hand-numbering machines that have a set of type wheels and a plunger handle; every time the handle is depressed, a number wheel advances one digit. When that wheel passes 9, it turns over the next wheel by one, and so one, just like the odometer in a car. (Those machines can also usually be set to change the number every second or third depression, for the case where a clerk is numbering multiple forms with the same number, then having it change for the next set of forms.) In the case of the hand-operated device, it is the action of the depression of the handle that activates the gearing to move the wheels. What happens in a press? Well, if it's an elaborate modern press, the number wheels are advanced electrically; if is really fancy, the press senses the absence of paper and the numbers do NOT advance until a sheet is actually present. There are other less fancy presses that advance the wheels mechanically, but the mechanism is attached to the press equipment, so that the wheels are being turned with each cycle, independently of whether the press actually closes on a sheet of paper. What if it's an older press, say WWII technology? Now we're talking! Those numbering machines typically used a plunger that contacted the bed that the paper lay on (through the paper); whenever the press closed (whether there was paper present or not), the plunger would be depressed. When the press opened and the plunger was released, it turned the numbering wheel(s) as needed to produce the next number to be printed. The plunger could be blind (uninked) or it could be inked right along with the numerals. Of course, one did not want to see a big black blob on the note next to the serial number, so the plunger would also have some lettering attached to it--such as the letters "No" or a block character or letter. If the plunger was to be blind, then the ink roller had to be placed so that ink would not be applied to the plunger. There also had to be some way to avoid having the ink roller itself activate the plunger, thus changing the number. (Or one could let the roller press hard enough to activate the plunger, but set the device to advance only after every two depressions--one for inking, one for printing. I don't know if any were ever set up that way; the ones I used had such a strong spring that the ink roller's pressure would not activate them). So, what are the physical characteristics of this kind of numbering device? The letters attached to the plunger are usually very heavily impressed into the paper, so the a visible embossing takes place. You can feel the letters No on the back of the note much more evidently that the rest of the numerals in the serial number. Also, the printing of the letters on the plunger is typically much heavier; more ink is transferred by those letters than by the numeral wheels, resulting in an overinked appearance for the leading characters. If the character was not No, but a block character, it could come before or after the numerals, but it would have to be changed (or a new numbering machine mounted) when the block was complete and a new character was needed. I once had an AMC yen fractional note on which the blind plunger impression was very obvious, letting us know that the AMC yen were not numbered with machines that had a press-linked rotation mechanism, but the old fashioned plunger-activated wheels. Fred now owns that piece, if he can find it. Has any reader ever seen a blind plunger impression before or after an MPC serial? It's also possible that the leading block character was mounted on the plunger--any evidence of that? The trailing character would not be on a plunger--think "replacement." ============================================== Editorial ============================================== Joe surprised me with a column for this week. You will remember that last week he was a day late and hinted that this week would be a problem. After I could not find internet access yesterday to publish a Gram, I was afraid that when I did find a connection, that I would not have any material (excpet of course what I could produce myself.) This was a great surprise and Ski's column for tomorrow is in so I am in heaven. It was a great day at the ANA (everyday is a great day at the ANA). I have not seen any great discoveries, but it has been fun. We have an idea for a new book. "The collected excuses for not having MPCFest coins." Wow, I have heard a bunch! Neil Shafer even claims that the airport security guard stole his! Don Kolkman set the record to the shortest time to a free drink. It will be hard to beat. He, Phil Goldstein and I were chatting. I presented Don with a coin for a good deed that he had done. Within two SECONDS of having a coin, he challenged Phil who did not have his (another wild excuese) so Don and I both collected. It was great. ============================================== Mail Call ============================================== Editor, First let me thank you for running my ad in MPCgram 677. I have heard from several gramsters who are interested in the Replica MPC. I am keeping a tally of the sets being sold to insure $2.00 per set will go to the scholarship fund. The gram states a policy for 'Wanted' ads: Wanted listings will run for a period of 1 month. What is the policy for 'For sale' ads? My ad ran only in MPCgram 677. Was it removed for a reason after that or perhaps simply an error? If it was in error, please consider running it again. My offer of 10% to the scholarship fund will never change as long as I receive orders, that I can fill, from gramsters. Please consider again placing my ad in the gram. FOR SALE: MPC replica notes (107 note set) available to gramsters at $20.00 (plus $1.00 shipping) per set (with 10% going to the scholarship fund). Email Dick Freyser dfreyser@cs.com Please be sure to mention you saw it in the MPCgram. I also have a question on 'wanted' ads. Is there a policy on repeating a wanted ad? You offered me the Fest I (official) souvenir card for $20.00 at Fest II. Twice I sent you a check for this item and never received a reply (nor were the checks ever cashed). At Fest II you suggested I place a wanted ad in the gram. I took your suggestion and ran a wanted ad months ago for this card. About that same time I stopped getting the gram for several weeks. Unless you now have a Fest I souvenir card to offer, I offer the following wanted gram for your consideration. WANTED: Souvenir Card from MPCFest I (official). Please email dfreyser@cs.com with price if you have one available. Hi Fred How are things up north?? I was wondering if you with all your talents may have another one of these notes around in about the same condition ? If so are you going to put it on ebay. I am at that point where I have to make hard desisions you also have two others up I need, I am down to the hard ones 471 $5.00 $10.00 472 $5.00 541 $5.00 and 591 $5.00 I just want to do a set don't have to be perfect this all started with two pieces I had from the service and a trip to your house in 1992 you are a bad man LOL let me know when you have a free min. Thanks John Lane Dear Esteemed Editor, I am bagging and boxing a ton of "stuff" to bring with me to the ANA Convention in NYC. I am driving up in my Honda CR-V on Wednesday starting around lunch so I arrive in NYC after rush hour and in the evening. I do not believe there is a single sane driver with New York plates on their vehicle during rush hour! Not even Herb Friedman! Most of the "stuff" I am bringing are samples of books that NI has published and has for sale, coins and paper money to give away to school-age collectors, my computer and printer to create IBNS badges for members without them, and some of my personal "stuff" for show and tell at the NI and IBNS meetings on Saturday, August 3. By the way, my name does not have an "s" on it as you have in the Calendar of Events. I am looking forward to many Gramsters (collectors and dealers) showing up at the IBNS meeting at 11AM to show and talk about a significant MPC piece in their possession, and at the NI meeting following it at 12 Noon in the same room, to show and talk about a significant military token or related piece. I want the "civilians" attending the meetings to be convinced to join us, so please do not disappoint me and not show up!! See you at the ANA!! Howard A. Daniel III (Howard@SEAsianTreasury.com) Dear Howard, Are you sure about the name thing? Steamed Editor ================================================== CALENDAR OF EVENTS ================================================ 2002 ANA Annual Convention, New York City, July 30 (PNG Day), July 31- August 4. (MESSAGE CENTER? (Active Monday, July 28, through Sunday, August 4) Message center phone 719/499-3591) The IBNS General Meeting is at 11AM on Saturday morning and it is followed by the NI General Meeting at 12 Noon in the same room. Howard Daniel will be moderating both meetings and will be running a "show and tell" with the attendees. Bring your stuff to NYC and show it off! Dallas Aug 21-24 National paper money and historical artifacts show at the Sheraton Grand hotel at DFW Airport. An auction will be held Friday and Saturday nights. POW Conference ?5 ?8 October Iowa, Confirmed participants: Feller, Smulczenski, Schwan 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, Chicago, IL 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$$, Fred Schwan, David Seelye, Nick Shrier, Larry Smulczenski, Warner Talso, Marcus Turner, Tom Warburton, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Tom Koch, Nancy and John Wilson $$ = Paid Running total: 22 ANA:21-23 March 2003, March, Charlotte, NC ================================================== Subscription information: You can enter an email address to receive the gram by using the link below. Use this to change your address (add the new one), add a friend or enemy. http://www.papermoneyworld.net/WebMailList/Default.asp =================================================== 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 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 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 =================================================== 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. This is a modest but important collection of MPC replacements. Heck, anytime that a collection has more than twenty different, it is significant. This collection is not significant so much for how many different, but for what the pieces are. This collection includes some VERY important replacements, starting with the first one. Terms are available, please confirm availability via email fred@papermoneyworld.net. Of course the email confirmation gets the note. Series 471 50c, (SN B00488021/pos 62, plate note in MPC 4) very rare, four reported. This is the most difficult series. A great note. Listed as VG in the census, but it has claims to better. Indeed, except for some soiling on the back it clearly would be fine. It is important to look at the others in the census. They are VG, F, and F+ respectively. Furthermore, all three of those pieces are in major collections that are unlikely to come on the market for decades. This is an important chance: sold Series 521 5 cent, second printing (12 reported), great fine (SN E01088098/pos 53) $275.00 Series 521 25 cents (E00264390/34 first printing, 7 reported), VG with honest wear, all quarters are scarce to rare, $300. Series 591 5 cents (G00209786/27) F-VF $295.00. Series 591 $1 (G00256925/33) F $1750.00 Series 611 5 cents (H00089203/12) VG (condition rarity!) $75 Series 611 25 cents (H00058207//8) , only 11 of the type, rare F, attractive, $850 Series 611 $1 (H00017307/3) F-VF $150 Series 611 $10 this is a rare and important note. Furthermore, it has a good pedigree. It was in the famed DeRosa collection then in another private collection until now. In the census it is listed as fine. That is probably a reasonable description. Technically it is somewhat lower, but it looks better! It has three heavy vertical folds. The two flank folds have splits at the bottom. There is tape residue on the right side of the face (this is probably removable), but the portrait is unaffected and the note does not look bad. SN H00076907, are you ready for this? It is position number 10 thus matching the denomination! All in all a desirable note at only sold Series 641 5 cents (first printing J00333038/42) VF, interesting SN sold Series 641 50 cents (first printing J00534868/67) F-VF looks much better than fine sold Series 641 $1 (first printing J00220517/28) VG with two staple holes but looks good $250 Series 661 $1 F $95.00 Series 681 5 cents VG-F $100 Series 681 $20 first printing wonderful VF $800 Series 692 5 cents EF+ $150 Series 692 10 cents AU $200 Former Kesselman Series 692 25 cents VF $285 Series 692 $10 EF, 2 pin holes sold 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) =================================================== 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) =================================================== 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 ===== 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!? Yahoo! Health - Feel better, live better http://health.yahoo.com