From: "MPCgram" To: Subject: MPCGram 769 Date: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 9:24 AM ============================================== MPC GRAM ============================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics Series 003 - Number 769 Tuesday November 5, 2002 HAWAII Overprints By Fred Bart I read the submission by Jay Jackson concerning (perceived) variations in the placement of the black HAWAII surcharge on the face of the $20 denomination. As many of you know, presses used to print the series of 1929 national bank notes were called into emergency service to print the distinctive Hawaii issues. Both the small size NBN and Hawaii issues had brown seals and serial numbers. Additionally, each contained black surcharges unlike other US paper money of the era. The black HAWAII surcharges exist in the location of the charter number on the NBN. I am unaware of any horizontal variance in the spacing of these overprint elements. Certainly, shifts or misalignments can occur in any direction, but the horizontal width between the surcharge should not be subject to alteration. I suspect that the "variation" that the keen eyes of Jay Jackson have spotted is secondary to paper shrinkage between printings. One will recall that the BEP used a wet method of intaglio printing until about 1963. Paper which is excessively wet can contract beyond normal expectations between printing operations. When this occurs, the imprinted design actually shrinks. As the stack of currency paper dries before being cut for the final time, the dimensions of the individual notes ends up correct. However, the design is too small and the note generally exhibits a wide side margin. The 3/8" variation observed by Jay Jackson is certainly consistent with other examples of the shrunken design error that I've seen over the years. While I might be wrong, I believe my hypothesis to be most probably in explaining what was reported in Gram #768 Concerning other "varieties" on the $20s: one of the most interesting is when the right surcharge appears to spell HAWAH. If there is a downward shift in the black overprints--such that the last two letters bisect either a plate position I or L--the end result appears to be a misspelled Territory. Although both the shrunken design error and misaligned HAWAII surcharge represent bona fide BEP errors, their significance is not especially important when one considers the emergency conditions under which the paper money was manufactured. Truly amazing errors on WWII emergency issues remain elusive. New Discoveries and Observations By Joe Boling Guy Araby reported varieties in dimensions of faces and backs in gram 767. The Hawaii overprinted notes were printed using a wet paper (actually damp paper) process; differential shrinkage of the paper has been noted in those printings since they were created. (All US notes were printed this way into the 1950s). He also makes a statement that MPC were printed using flatpress lithography. Where is this documented? I would be VERY surprised if a flatpress technology were used; it is not economical, and printers have been using rotary presses for lithography for decades. That being so, it is easy to see how (as he reports for stamps) plates could be stretched one direction while being curved for the press. It's a bit less easy to explain differences in dimensions in the same printing. One would expect that all plates would be curved the same way, UNLESS different model presses had to be used because of the volume or urgency of work. For series 461, that could easily have been the case. For series 541, he does not report whether any of those $1 notes are replacements, which underwent multiple printings and could have had different press setups. The 681 $5 we would expect to be uniform, but the same situation as conjectured for the 461s might have been true for the 681s--forced use of multiple types of presses to accommodate high volume. Fred and Larry, you have investigated the actual presses used at the Bureau (where the 681 series was printed); are there different model numbers? Does anyone there have any information about plate orientation on the presses? Following my column last week on the anti-Soviet 100 ruble propaganda note, Herb Friedman (propaganda note expert extraordinaire) send the following information to me and Fred (which has not yet appeared in the gram, so I will co-opt it here): "I [Friedman] did an article on Cold War notes way back in IBNS Volume 24, No. 1. There are actually four of the 100 ruble notes, one 25 ruble note, and two 20 mark notes of the DDR. There is also the better known 1 crown note for Czechoslovakia. At the same time, the Communist nations produced a few propaganda banknotes during the Cold War for use against us. I did a second short piece in IBNS Volume 30, No. 1. That covered Hungarian and a DDR pieces." The article in 24:1 is quite detailed, including translations of some of the long texts used by the NTS. I should correct one piece of incorrect conjecture in my last column; despite the trident symbol, there appears to be no direct connection of the NTS to Ukraine. NTS was founded in Belgrade in 1930 (though I would not be surprised if there were many disaffected Ukrainians involved). The Soviets, in Herb's words, "were not amused," and conducted an active assassination campaign against NTS officers. At the Tacoma-Lakewood Coin Club fall show this weekend, a local dealer had a hoard of high- bore JIM from an old-time accumulation (assembled on the scene in 1945-6). Included is a Malaya $1000 that SHOULD have black blocks MA, but has no blocks. It is hand cut from a sheet, and although completely printed (except for the blocks), looks like printer's waste. I was interested to see (if it came from the Djakarta plant, where so much printer's waste has originated) whether its print quality would match the note we cataloged as 2181a, or the low quality piece we called 2181aq. Naturally, it is neither. It is in between the qualities of the two pieces that I have. In the same group was a violet $100 note (SB2178b), not as spectacularly violet as the one I bought from Almanzar's the day they made me pay to look at notes, but still clearly not brown. Also in the group is an NEI 1000 roepiah SB2198. If anyone needs this, email me and I will see if it is still available. He had $650 on it, but I expect it can be had for less. I don't remember what all else he had--nothing that grabbed my attention--but it is a nice group of scarcer late pieces. I bought both of the Malaya pieces described above, so don't inquire after them. ============================================== Editorial ============================================== Election Day. Will the close balance between collectors of AMC and MPC be altered? I wish that I had thought of it earlier, but it is still not too late. For election day we want to vote on the most popular military notes. You get to make your own nomination and every candidate is a winner. Please tell us what your favorite note is and why. I will participate, but I must admit that it is a difficult choice. I am trying to decide now. I will vote today and report tomorrow. In the tradition of all Florida elections, we will accept votes for a few days. Fred ============================================== Mail Call ============================================== Dear Gram, The service you received at that bank is disgraceful. It would help all gramsters if you would tell us the bank so that we may take our business elsewhere. By the way, why didn't ask to speak to the vice-president or president of the branch? Regards, Ken Berger Dear Ken, Thanks for writing. The ONLY reason that I did not divulge the name of the bank was that I intend to push this matter with corporate management and I want to be able to threaten divulging the name to my “ national newsletter.” I expect to be able to announce the name because I do not expect satisfaction. I should have gone higher on the food chain (see below), but each time I observed that there was only one more level of management in the building. How do you think management will like a letter to the Federal Reserve stating that the bank refused to sell me a bond?! Editor WHOOOHEEEE!!! Yew made my lil' ole' ledder 'bout Hi-wah-ee 20's a article!!! WOW!!! That's as big a rush as I got 'way back in '74 when I wrote Krause's Whorl' Corn News 'bout the Standerd Cat'log uv Whorl' Corns an' compard it with the Houston phone book [where I lived at thet time]. Anywho, the real purpose of this missive is to relate to you my "Rule of Four" as regards your tale of woe re: purchase of HH bonds. Anytime one must deal with ANY bureaucracy, one must get to the 4th level to get exactly what you want. The first three layers only have authority to refuse your request. If you are persistent enough to reach the 4th layer, you will encounter a person whose sense of self-importance is of such amount that they will give you exactly what you want in the means and manner you want it just to get you out of their office. This works with all bureaucracies, including, but not limited to: all utilities, banks, insurance companies, schools and...[although I have no direct experience] probably the military. The only answers you accept from the first 3 layers are: "Yes, I will fully comply with your request!" or "The name of my supervisor is ____________" Any other answer [such as "No"] is unacceptable. Be persistent. The Rule of Four works... Please excuse the vernacular approach to the beginning of this letter...sometimes being a 7th generation Texan wins out over my post-graduate, professional education... Later, Y'all... Jay in Garrison, TX Dear Jay, You are always teaching us! The fourth level. I like it (and will use it). However, that is also a little scary. Gramsters who are dissatisfied with their subscriptions, the editor, or other important matters will now know to go to Judy! Editor Dear "steamed" editor: I am very sorry to hear of your troubles with your local bank. That kind of customer service is completely unacceptable, even to you. Might I suggest that you send THE BOSS (Judy) to go straighten out this situation with their boss. I am confident that she can deliver results. Put my name down for FUN. Larry talked me into it… Marcus Turner ============================================== CALENDAR OF EVENTS ============================================== 2002 Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, November 7-10 2002. Baltimore Convention Center. Hours are Fri-Sat 10AM- 7 PM. Sunday 10AM-4PM. Len Harsel has a table"; "Howard Daniel has a joint NI/IBNS meeting at 3PM on Nov 9. Gramsters are invited to bring something for show & tell and to network with other Gramsters. 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] 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 St. Louis paper money show 21-24 November 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 Confirmed table holders and attendees [Leo May (table), Fred Schwan (table), David Seelye (table), Larry Smulczenski (table w/Schwan), Harold Kroll, Marcus Turner, others please confirm. 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$$, Fred Schwan, David Seelye, Nick Shrier, Larry Smulczenski, Warner Talso, Marcus Turner, Tom Warburton, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Tom Koch, Nancy and John Wilson, Bill McNease, Cuneyt Tolek Registration fee: $148 double occupancy $198 single occupancy (including meals and motel). Payments may be sent to BNRPress, 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452 or via PayPal to fredschwan@yahoo.com. Suggested airports in order of desirability: Toledo, Cleveland, Detroit (attempts will be made to provide ground transportation to/from these airports) $$ = Paid Running total: 24 Masstricht April 4-6, Valkenburg, The Netherlands, contact Jos Eijsermans, Box 3240, NL 5930 Tegelen Netherlands 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 Pam West Mr. 691 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) 586-4672 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) 720-0695 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: 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 – MPC from position 8 and all military money counterfeits. 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!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/