From: "MPCgram" To: Subject: MPCGram 752 Date: Thursday, October 17, 2002 6:28 AM ============================================== MPC GRAM ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics Series 003 - Number 752 Thursday Oct 17, 2002 I Could Have Stayed at a Holiday Inn Express By Larry “Ski” Smulczenski A couple of months ago, I received an offer from good friend Trevor Wilkin of Australia to bid for me on an auction item that I was unfamiliar with. Trevor said he would be at the auction and if I was interested he would act as my agent for the item. The item was a block of four of the three pence square paper token from the Grand Pacific Hotel in Fiji. I knew the item very well, in fact I had two sets of the Grand Pacific Hotel paper tokens in my collection, one set with a stamped signature on the back and a second without. The paper tokens from the Grand Pacific Hotel come in values of one penny, three pence and six pence. These tokens were issued by private businesses in Fiji to combat the shortage of small change during the early part of World War II. A number of hotels and businesses issued these paper tokens with the Grand Pacific Hotel probably being the most common. They can be found occasionally in dealers stocks at a modest price. The other issuers are considerably more difficult to find and command a much higher purchase price. On 1 October 1942, a notice appeared in the Fiji Royal Gazette concerning the paper tokens stating that now a large supply of the Fiji one penny notes (SB 1371) was available to meet all requirements. The publics attention was drawn to the fact that the paper tokens were not legal tender and they were removed from circulation. The short circulation time, wartime conditions and this withdrawal make these items quite scarce. As I said previously, I knew the item well, but this was my first encounter with a block of four. I told Trevor that I was interested but since I was unfamiliar with a block of the paper tokens not to make me mortgage the farm if the bidding went too high. Fortunately this was not the case and he was able to purchase it for a reasonable amount. When the item arrived in my post office box a couple of weeks later, I was surprise to see that it was straight edged on top, bottom, and right side with roulette perforations down the left side. This had to mean that the sheet which contained this block had to be very small as additional tokens could only be on the left side. You can see the item by going to the link at www.papermoneyworld.net/grams/thurski101702.htm I then noticed the serial numbers of the four tokens ranged from 2317 thru 2320, but the lowest number, 2317 was on the upper right token. Number 2318 was below it on the lower right token, followed by 2319 on the upper left with 2320 below it in the lower left position. Quite odd, I thought. Most sheets start their numbers in the upper left and the go either below or to the right on the sheet. This was backwards. I went to my copy of World War II Remembered to see what I could find there. I was supprised to find illustrated there a three pence token from the Grand Pacific Hotel with serial number 2325. That was only five numbers away from my block. I had to grab a magnifying glass to check it out closer. This token was straight edged on the top and right side with perfs on the bottom and left. This was an upper right token from a sheet and only eight numbers away from my upper right token of 2317. I jumped to the conclusion that this was the answer. Eight tokens on a sheet of four across by 2 down. I took my block to Strassburg with me and showed it to some folks. No one there had seen multiples of these little paper tokens. It appeared to be a real nice addition to a collection, but wouldn't it be nicer to have the whole sheet of eight! At a slack period, Leo May asked to see the block. "Pull out the ones I have" he said to me. I believe he had three pieces. We begun working on a formula to determine where each piece would fit on the sheet. It seemed to me if we divided the serial number by eight, the remainder would identify the sheet position, but that didn't appear to work for my block. All of a sudden Leo looked up at me and said." Ski, you have the whole sheet. In fact its not a sheet it's a pane from a booklet. The perforations on the left is where it was torn from a booklet tab." The dawn broke and I had to admit that Leo was correct. Therefore, if you divide the serial number by four, you come up with a remainder of one for the upper right corner, two for the lower right, three for upper left and no remainder for the lower left. It worked for all the examples that I have in my collection, the ones in Leo's stock and three others that I was able to find in collections. This also answers the question about why the tokens were numbered from the left. Convention has a book open from right to left, so the upper right token was torn from the booklet first. This left the sequential serial numbers in the book. When the next token was torn from the book, logically it would be the lower right since it was hanging out there by itself. This would continue to leave the serial numbers in sequential order. I love it when everything comes together. Has anyone out there seen similar multiples of these paper tokens. Let us hear from you. ANA OFFICIALLY DISCONTINUES AUTHENTICATION SERVICE The American Numismatic Association Authentication Bureau (ANAAB) is no longer accepting submissions for authentication. The American Numismatic Association Board of Governors voted at a meeting in New York City to discontinue ANAAB after reviewing a report that suggested the cost of employing a full-time authenticator outweighed the benefits to the membership. All recent submissions have been returned. “After a careful examination of ANA’s authentication services and recognizing the declining demand for them over the years, the Board had to make a fiscal decision,” says Lawrence J. Lee, ANA Museum curator who oversaw the ANA Authentication Bureau (ANAAB) during the past year. “The ANA began authenticating coins 30 years ago as a way to reduce counterfeiting of collector coins. We were very successful in that area. In addition, the ANA has offered classes in counterfeit detection over the years, and scores of people have taken them and are doing well to preserve the integrity of the hobby. “However, most of the coin-grading firms now are offering authentication services to collectors.” The ANA first offered coin authentication in 1972. Coin grading was added six years later, and both services were offered until July 31, 1990, when the Association sold its grading service to Amos Press Inc., publisher of Coin World. The following October, ANAAB began operations, providing reference attributions, if available, and diagnostic reports of any coin, token, medal or primitive money in any condition determined to be counterfeit. Lee noted that support both for and against retaining the authentication service was strong from the ANA Museum Committee. However, the number of submissions did not generate the necessary revenue. According to the report provided the Board of Governors, the ANA would have to budget between $150,000 and $200,000 a year for two full-time authenticators, at least four authentication and grading seminars, and other services needed to expand ANAAB’s role and increase submissions. “We even looked into the possibility of utilizing volunteers to authenticate material, but decided such a program was not feasible,” Lee says. “Even though the ANA has discontinued its authentication service, this does not mean we will not be looking at material from time to time. The ANA remains committed to eliminating counterfeits from the numismatic field, and we will continue to offer Counterfeit Coin Bulletin, published in conjunction with the International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN).” Over the next year, the ANA will be re-evaluating its ability to provide authentication services and may, after further study, reinstate ANAAB or another authentication program. For more information about Counterfeit Coin Bulletin or other services offered by the ANA, contact the American Numismatic Association, 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3279; telephone 719/632-2646; fax 719/634-4085; E-mail ana@money.org; or visit the ANA web site at www.money.org. ============================================== Editorial ============================================== The passing of ANAAP is a little bit sad. It had very little to offer our specialty, but still, it was there if needed. I guess as one of the fossils who not only remembers John Pittman twisting arms to raise money to get it started I feel a little sad. Heck, I even gave a little money. (very little). I suspect that this was the right move, it just seems a little sad. Fred ============================================== Mail Call ============================================== Dear Gram, It is J J SULLIVAN, not David, that asked the question re: How many replica MPCs were printed? JJ Dear JJ, No one has answered the question yet. Can someone help? Editor Dear Gram, Yes, MPCGram is a proper noun, but it is derived from telegram and cablegram, neither of which is a proper noun, and gram by itself should not be either. And gramsters was NOT capitalized in the same sentence I was quoting. I apologize for misreading the two sentences I quoted to imply that any gram-related event at the WWII exhibit opening would not be associated with the opening. I see now that he meant we would all go to the opening, then go do something else in addition (without adding unnecessary days, I trust). Let's get on with the planning for this--it's time to be buying plane tickets. Joe ============================================== CALENDAR OF EVENTS ============================================== 2002 Paper Money Convention IBNS Sydney & Melbourne Chapters 2/3 November 2002 Artarmon Motor Inn, Sydney Australia Contact Tony James wk. 61 2 9235 0888 fax. 61 2 9235 0588 email:- info@tonyjamesnoteworld.biz Come on escape the Winter in the north and see the Land Down Under. Very Inexpensive! Australian dollar is only 55c US !!!!! Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, November 7-10 2002. Baltimore Convention Center. Hours are Fri-Sat 10AM- 7 PM. Sunday 10AM-4PM. Included will be a Bowers and Merena Auction and an Auction by Presidential Coins and Medals of exonumia and political memorabilia. [Len Harsel reports that he will have a table at this show] St. Louis paper money show 21-24 November 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 December 7, opening of World War II Numismatics exhibition at American Numismatic Association Museum, Colorado Springs, CO. [Warner Talso confirmed, Fred Schwan likely] 2003 FUN Florida United Numismatists, Orlando, 9 - 12Jan 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$$, Fred Schwan, David Seelye, Nick Shrier, Larry Smulczenski, Warner Talso, Marcus Turner, Tom Warburton, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Tom Koch, Nancy and John Wilson, Bill McNease, Cuneyt Tolek $$ = Paid Running total: 24 ANA:21-23 March 2003, March, Charlotte, NC ======================================== 2003 scholarship fund Donations of cash and numismatic material will be gladly accepted. Generally the numismatic material is auctioned at MPCFest, but might be sold via ebay or other places. Your scholarship donations help the hobby by sending qualified individuals to the ANA summer seminar military money class. Except for unavoidable charges like ebay fees, 100% of your donation goes to scholarships. 2003 Scholarship Donors Ed Hoffman RA Medina Dick Freyser Larry Smulczenski David Seelye Howard Daniel Steve Feller Warner Talso Contact me at: "Marcus Turner" maturner@indy.rr.com Checks should be made out to the "Military Numismatists Scholarship". or Marcus Turner 8103 East US Highway 36 Suite 163 Avon, Indiana 46123 USA ========================================================== 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 RBalbaton@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. FOR SALE: Replica MPC set of 107 notes. Advertised in the numismatic press for $25.00 available to any gramster for $20.00 (plus $1.00 postage) with $5.00 per set being donated to the ANA Summer Seminar Military Money Scholarship fund. Also available a set of series 681 replica notes (8 notes) for $2.00 (plus $0.60 postage up to 5 sets) per set with 25% per set being donated to the scholarship fund. Email your order to dfreyser@cs.com and mention you saw it in the gram to ensure donation to the scholarship fund. 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) Wanted: War and other bonds issued by the US government, will purchase or trade. =================================================== 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 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!? Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More http://faith.yahoo.com