From: "MPCgram" To: Subject: MPCGram 822 Date: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 1:55 AM =========================================== MPC GRAM =========================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics Series 004 - Number 822 Wednesday January 8, 2003 Marvelous Marvin Mericle’s MPC By Joel Shafer I wanted to provide readers with a glimpse of the coming sale of Marvin Mericle’s highly impressive and critically important Military Payment Certificates collection. Marvin Mericle's award-winning MPC collection is certainly among the very finest ever formed. The majority of his pieces were used as illustrations in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money and Fred Schwan's Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates. Marvin consistently purchased the best possible example of each type. It is our wonderful privilege to be able to bring this material to collectors. When one has collected a complete type set in essentially the best possible condition (as Marvin has), there are MANY highlights. The vast majority of pieces are Uncirculated; only a scant few have shown any signs of circulation. Clearly, one cannot expect to find better examples for practically all of these items. A few highlights of Marvin’s collection include: 5 dollars Series 471 (#M13/MPC-Schwan 816) 5 dollars Series 481 (#M27/MPC-Schwan 836/1) 5 dollars Series 521 (#M34/MPC-Schwan 846/1) 5 dollars Series 541 (#M41/MPC-Schwan 856)-highest grade known 10 dollars Series 541 (#M42/MPC-Schwan 857) 5 dollars Series 591 (#M48/MPC-Schwan 866) 10 dollars Series 661 (#M70/MPC-Schwan 907) 5 dollars Series 691 (#M88/MPC-Schwan 946/1)-SERIAL NUMBER ONE! Also, Marvin loved to collect matching serial numbers. Here are a few examples: 5; 10 cents Series 472 (#M15; M16---MPC 821/1; 822/1) Serial numbers of 01703184 and 01977684 have matching last two digits. 5; 10; 25 cents Series 611 (#M50; M51; M52---MPC 871; 872; 873) With serial numbers of 09170665; 03079965; 03741065, all three notes have matching last two digits; the 50 cents of the series, lotted separately, also has the matching last two digits. 5; 10; 25; 50 cents Series 651 (#M72A; M72B; M72C; M72D---MPC 891; 892; 893; 894) With serial numbers of 03947991; 03237591; 02482291; 02010691, the only fractional set known from this series with the last two serial number digits matching. 1; 5; 10; 20 dollars Series 691 (#M87; M88; M89; M90---MPC 945/1; 946/1; 947/1; 948/1) With serial numbers of 03903307; 01519907; 00099907; 00234707, all have the last two digits of the serial number matching. Important to compare this with the next lot-having two such sets with matching last two digits is a phenomenal achievement! 1; 5; 10; 20 dollars Series 691 (#M87; M88; M89; M90---MPC 945/2; 946/2; 947/2; 948/2) With serial numbers of 10322007; 02560007; 02784007; 04723007, a complete set of the second printing with the same matched last two digits as the above first printing. There are some important surprises that will be unveiled when the catalog comes out. Those who have had the privilege of viewing this amazing collection know that these pieces can easily "speak for themselves." I would encourage everyone to take this special opportunity to participate and attend this landmark sale. The proximity of MPC Fest IV makes this CPMX even more critical to attend. Finally, the following is an excerpt of what I read at last year’s National Paper Money and Historical Artifacts show in Dallas--Marvin in many of his own words: Marvin Mericle -- I was born and raised in the small town of Fort Dodge, Iowa, about 95 miles north of Des Moines. I was friends with a boy three doors down from me. His mother collected coins-seated type! She showed them to me and I was hooked. I was selling newspapers on the street and like all new collectors with little funds, I started collecting Lincoln cents. It was easy to find Lincoln cents along with Indian Heads. At this time, I was 10 or 11. My collecting continued on a small scale until I was out of high school. As coins were readily found in circulation, I did not purchase many for my collection during the first ten years or so. My coin collecting continued until I retired from the military. After retirement, I secured a job in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Having been involved in coin clubs wherever I was stationed in the service, I again joined a coin club--the Old Fort Coin Club of Fort Wayne--in February, 1979. The club had many active members and traveled to coin shows, especially the annual ANA. At each monthly meeting, the club held an educational program. One month, Elmer Smith gave a slide presentation on Military Payment Certificates (MPC). I recalled using these notes while in the service, but never really gave much thought to them. I do not remember ever seeing anything higher than a 1 Dollar. Elmer had slides on every note and shared his knowledge with everyone. To say the least, I was hooked. I thought that my coin collection had been as complete as I wanted or could afford. There were still a few coins I was looking for, but I decided to start collecting MPC. When I started, I told everyone that I was going to only buy the best I could find. If I could not find a high grade note, I would not have it in my collection. Another collector in our club had world paper money and MPC. After he died, I was eventually able to purchase his collection. Although I started purchasing MPC from dealers around the country, this gave a big boost to my collection and I now had many duplicates. Many have been involved in helping me build my collection. Elmer Smith sold his collection to Fred Schwan. I did not know who Fred was when I started collecting, but his name always came up; Elmer said that I had to meet him. I do not know when I first met Fred. One of the biggest dealers in MPC that I met was a great man named Allen Karn, owner of Allen's of Westerville, Ohio (his son now owns the business). Allen allowed me to go through his extensive inventory of MPC. We always had a great time deciding the price I would pay for each note. He knew that I only wanted choice notes! Over the next few years, I built a collection that I felt was complete. If you want a key note, it likely will come from Fred-my case is no different. Fred sold me the Series 651 fractionals as well as also most other keys. The last note placed in my collection was the Series 541 10 dollars; I still think that is the hardest note to find in CU. After completing my collection of MPC, I started trying to complete the fractionals with the last two digits of the serial number matched. In some cases, I completed the whole series with the last two digits matched. (Note: my Series 651 fractionals is the only set known to have the last two digits matched.) I have always enjoyed exhibiting at different coin shows. After completing the collection, I would exhibit at our local and state shows. One night in December 1998, I discovered that everything I collected was gone (including some exhibiting awards). The local authority was of no help; in June 1999, the FBI office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania called me. They asked if I had owned a collection of coins and paper money-they also wondered if I could tell them what was missing. I replied that I would sent a list to them. They said they had the listing and believed that they already had some items in their possession. To make a long story short, I flew to Pittsburgh and met with an agent of the FBI. He had over thirty five boxes of items to review! The first box contained my complete collection of MPC, all intact! Some tokens and other items were identified as mine, but no coins. After retrieving my notes, I decided that I would not collect coins again. I had my MPC and would exhibit them at whatever show I attended. I have exhibited them at Memphis, ANA, ISNA, CSNS, and FUN. I have received a first or second place at each of the major shows, and also received the Bank Note Reporter award at Memphis for the most inspirational exhibit. Many of my notes have been used in Fred Schwan's latest MPC book. Thank you to Fred in many ways; not only has he illustrated them in his new book, but also used them for souvenir sheets issued by the American Numismatic Association for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Introduction of United States Military Payment Certificates. Numismatic News promotes scholarship fund The January 14 issue of Numismatic News featured a story about the scholarship fund on page 5 (the first inside news page). The text of the news release appears below. Furthermore, the text of the news release appears at the Krause web site www.collect.com. This is an innovative site where you can view much of the information that appears in Krause’s print periodicals. If you are a subscriber to the periodical, you can view ALL of the information. [See editorial below]. Text of the news release: Military numismatists establish scholarship fund From Numismatic News and Marcus Turner Military numismatics enthusiasts have established a fund to provide a number of scholarships to people interested in attending the week-long military money class at the American Numismatic Association’s 2003 Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colo. Scholarships will be awarded to novice collectors as well as to collectors not currently involved but having an interest in military numismatics. The number of scholarships available will depend on the amount raised. Donations to the fund of cash and numismatic material are invited. Generally the numismatic material is auctioned to collectors of military numismatics at MPC Fest, a gathering in its fourth annual installment this year, Feb. 28-March 2. Some donated material is also sold via online auction or other venue as appropriate. To learn more about donating to the scholarship fund or applying, contact Marcus Turner at e-mail address maturner@indy.rr.com or by writing to him at 8103 East US Highway 36, Suite 163, Avon, IN 46123. Checks should be made out to “Military Numismatists Scholarship.” In addition to the popular Military Numismatics course introduced in 2002, attendees who have already taken that course may take a “graduate seminar” version, run concurrent with the other class and involving independent research. Both classes are taught by Joe Boling and Fred Schwan, active hobbyists and authors of World War II Remembered and other military numismatic works. The military numismatics courses are scheduled to take place in Session I of the Summer Seminar. Dates of this session are Saturday, June 28-Friday, July 4. Tuition of $549 per week includes room and meals for a week. For more about the seminar, see the Web site www.money.org/sumsem2003.html. =========================================== Editorial =========================================== Krause publications has a great new feature allowing collectors to read much of the content of their publications on line (collect.com). I am not sure how long that they have had this feature, but I did not try it until today. First, I will say, that it is wonderful and I spent too much time reading too much material that was not of great interest. Material is broken into three categories: available to all, available to registered users of the site, and available only to subscribers. It was very easy to register at the site and view material in the first two categories. The problem came when I selected material restricted to print subscribers (which I have been for decades). Here is the message that I got when trying. Only Subscribers can view this content If you subscribe to a Krause periodical, just register as a new user or sign in and provide your subscription information. If you are not currently a subscriber, click here to visit the newsstand and subscribe now. Well, I had registered as a new user and I signed in, but I could not find a place to enter subscriber info. I must admit that it was very frustrating. I expect and hope that the KP people will jump in and explain how I am so user dumb so that everyone can enjoy this new service. (Iola, Wisconsiin has the highest density of Gram subscribers of any location in the world). Fred =========================================== Mail Call =========================================== Dear Gram, Just wanted to send a note wishing your wife a speedy recovery. I also donated a 25 cent MPC (Ser. 481) to the ANA museum which I have received a confirmation and thanks from Chris. So you might include that note to your listing of "donations" from "Gramsters." PK6 Dear PK, Thanks, the ANA want list below has been updated. Chris probably had sent me an update and I goofed it up, but in any event, it is posted now and appreciated (the note and the notice)! Editor Dear Editor, Have you had the healing hands on you, so that a trip to Florida may help you recuperate? David Dear David, Traditionally, this is my departure day for FUN. It does not look good for me. I think that I am going to miss all of those treasures on the floor! Editor Dear Gram, I was unable to make it to the Fun show this year, but I am requesting a reservation for Fest IV, which I will be attending this year. Thanks and take care. Wes Hardy PS: I believe Rod will be attending Fest IV also. Dear Wes, Sorry to hear about FUN, I had the same problem, but glad that you are finally making your Fest reservation. You guys were on my AWOL list. You also got us to the 30 level so a record attendance is assured! Editor I will be at the FUN show and hope to see both Fred and David Seeyle. George Swift Dear George, Ok, now what about the Fest? Editor =========================================== CALENDAR OF EVENTS =========================================== 2002 FUN Florida United Numismatists, Orlando, 9 - 12Jan 2003 Confirmed table holders and attendees [Leo May (table), David Seelye (table), Larry Smulczenski (table w/Schwan), Harold Kroll, Marcus Turner, Howard Daniel, David Amey, Al Glaser, Bill Yanchick, Ian Marshall [with table], Mike Cummings [with table and MPC exhibit] John and Nancy Wilson, Shafer boys, Ray Czahor, Gerorge Swift 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$$, Tom Warburton, Mark Watson, Bill Yanchick, Tom Koch, Nancy and John Wilson†, Bill McNease, Cuneyd Tolek†, Wendel Wolka†, Al Glaser, Ian Marshal, John Cheney†, Wes and Rod Hardy. Registration fee: $148 double occupancy $198 single occupancy (including meals and motel). Payments may be sent to BNRPress, 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452 or via PayPal to fredschwan@yahoo.com. Suggested airports in order of desirability: Toledo, Cleveland, Detroit (attempts will be made to provide ground transportation to/from these airports) $$ = Paid Running total: 30, †=new fester (running total 6 new Festers). ANA National Money Show, March 21-23, 2003, Charlotte (NC) Convention Center, Contact ANA Convention Department at convention@money.org or JoeBoling@aol.com for forms to exhibit. Hours are 10-6:30 Friday & Saturday & 10-2 Sunday. Hotels are The Westin Charlotte (704-375-2623) and the nearby Hampton Inn Charlotte Uptown (704-373-0917). Howard Daniel will be manning a joint NI/NBS/IBNS club table where Gramsters can meet each other. He is also conducting a joint NI/IBNS meeting on Saturday and invites all Gramsters to the meeting's show and tell session and to meet other collectors with similar interests. Masstricht April 4-6, Valkenburg, The Netherlands, contact Jos Eijsermans, Box 3240, NL 5930 Tegelen Netherlands Memphis International Paper Money Show: 13-15 June, Cook Convention Center, 255 N. Main St., Memphis TN 38103-1623 Military Numismatics Summer Seminar Session I dates are Saturday, June 28, to Friday, July 4; session II, Saturday, July 5 to Friday, July 11, 2003 Link for more and general information: http://www.money.org/sumsem2003.html Link to photos from Seminar II http://www.money.org/summer2002images5.html PCDA National and World Paper Money Convention. November 19-23, 2003. St. Louis Hilton Airport Hotel, 10330 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63134. ======================================== 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 Leo May John & Nancy Wilson Max Spiegel Gail Baker Chris Connell Bill Haines 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 =========================================== MPC ANA Museum Project =========================================== ANA collection of MPC: Thanks to donations from Ed Beaman, Michael Cummings, David Pitchford, Marcus Turner, and Mr. 691 the ANA MPC collection is current as follows: Series 100 - [50 sen], [1Y, 5Y, 10Y, 20Y all A underprint] Series 461 - 5 cents Series 471 - None Series 472 - [5 cents], [$10] Series 481 - 5 cents, [10, 25 cents] 50 cents, $1, $10 Series 521 - 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, [$10] Series 541 - 5, 10, 25 cents Series 591 - [$1] Series 611 - [5, 10, 25 cents] Series 641 - 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, $1, $5, $10 Series 651 - [$1] Series 661 - [10, 50c], [$5], [$1, $5] $10 Series 681 - 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, $1, [$5], [$20] Series 691 - [$1, $5, $10, $20] Series 692 - 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, $1 Series 701 - [$1, $5, $10, $20] [50c etc.] = notes donated by Gramsters --Chris Connell ANA Museum Collection Manager 818 Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 collections@money.org =========================================== RESEARCH =========================================== Papermoneyworld maintains an innovative interactive data base of all military payment certificates. Everyone is invited to enter notes in their possession or that they have observed. Visit the site at: http://www.papermoneyworld.net/user/default.asp this project is financially supported by David Seelye www.thempcman.net, coinman@rochester.rr.com =========================================== 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) 647 8938 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 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 Pomexport Ltd. 1-201-641-6641 / Fax: 1-201-641-1700 E-Mail: Info@pomexport.com // website: http://www.Pomexport.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. 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 Rendezvous with Destiny MFC Series 022 souvenir notes. Paying up to five times face value. Put your for sale notice in the Gram. I would like to list my Christmas want list. I'm looking for the following notes: Series 100 Supplemental A yen - the 100 yen note. Series 100 Supplemental B yen - the 1,000 yen note. Series 521 .25 cent, 3rd printing. Series 521 .50 cent, 2nd printing. Series 521 $5.00, 2nd printing. Thank you, I hope someone has these notes for sale. Gary Wanted : Japan Occupation Malaya 10 cent 2 letters , Burma 1 & 5 cent 2 letters ! High grade preferred ! Looking to buy 1 each all EVEN and all ODD serial numbers on a Series 681 $1note, Uncirculated or better. Also, I personally consider any zero in the serial number to be an even digit. =========================================== 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!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com