From: "MPCgram" To: Subject: MPCGram 990 Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 10:44 AM =========================================== MPC GRAM =========================================== Covering the entire World of Military Numismatics Series 004 - Number 990 Wednesday August 13, 2003 Back to the Basics: Identifying Replacement Notes A Sporadic Column Sparky" Watson ?Ah ha! Another lucky star note for my collection,? I thought as I sifted through the snack bar cash box at work. What is a star note you ask? It is a note where the suffix letter at the end of the serial number is replaced with a star. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) uses this method to designate replacement notes for the current series of Federal Reserve notes. Since replacement notes are substituted for manufacturing errors during the print run, they are usually scarce, and involve a little effort to obtain. While collecting $1 star notes from circulation will not allow me to retire any sooner, finding unidentified Military Payment Certificates (MPC) and Allied Military Currency (AMC) notes will - if I find enough. Avidly collected by many, MPC and AMC replacement notes carry a substantial premium over their non-replacement counterparts, especially in uncirculated condition. For example, an uncirculated Series 681 $1 note will sell for around $20 to $25. That same note as a replacement will sale for $600 to $800 or higher. So, how do you identify these treasures? MPC notes: On normal notes, the serial number consists of a prefix letter, an eight-digit number, and a suffix letter. For example, a Series 692 note could have a serial number of E08357391E. For a replacement note, the suffix letter is removed, so the serial number for a Series 692 note would read E00013435. On the strange but true side, David Seelye has a Series 611 $1 replacement note where someone added the missing suffix letter with a pen! AM lire: Replacement notes in this series are similar to the star note described at the beginning of this article. However, instead of the suffix letter in the serial number being replaced by the star, it's the prefix letter. An example would be *00012345A. AM franc: For this series, the printers used a method not involving the serial number. One can identify replacement francs by an X in the lower left and upper right corners areas near the serial number. There is a minor printing variety with the two different printers in this series as the BEP used an X smaller than the Xs on the notes printed by Forbes. AM marks: The AM mark is probably the hardest to identify a replacement quickly. In general, replacement AM marks are identified by a hyphen preceding the eight-digit serial number, -012345678. However, not all notes with a leading hyphen are replacement notes. This is due to the history behind the series. At the strong request (demand) of the Soviet Union, the United States provided them with Forbes' printing plates and a set of specimen notes. As Forbes used replacement notes for the specimen notes, the Soviet Union wrongly assumed that the hyphen was an integral part of the serial number. Therefore, AM marks printed by the Soviet Union also have a leading hyphen. However, there are differences between the Soviet Union marks and Forbes printed marks. First is the physical layout of the serial number. As the Soviets did not have a nine-digit counting wheel to print the serial number, they used a three-digit and a six-digit unit in concert. This combination provides a visible misalignment, either vertically or horizontally, between the third and fourth locations in the serial number. Another method to distinguish the printings is to look for Forbes' secret mark, a monogram F, in the scrollwork on the right side. Finally, the actual serial number provides some indication of the note. Replacement notes general have low serial numbers. As the lowest serial number of the Soviet Union notes is 25 million, any serial number below that with a hyphen is a replacement note. AM shillings: Replacement notes in this series use a similar method to the AM francs, an X in the lower left and upper right corner near the serial number. However, this only occurs on the 25 schilling note. The method used on the other notes with a serial number - the smaller denomination 50 groschen, and 1 and 2 schilling notes don't have serial numbers - is not truly known, however the working theory is that they are designated by a change in the block combination at the beginning of the serial number. AM kroner: The method (if any) for identifying AM kroner is not known at this time. Like the AM shillings, some change in the block combination in the serial number is assumed to be the key. AM yen: The printers used two different methods to distinguish replacement notes in this series. For the most part, a replacement note is identified the serial number starting with an H instead of the usual A, are H12345678A. This is the method used by Stecher-Traung. However, the BEP printed one issue of 1 yen notes with serial numbers starting with the letter B. For these replacements, the BEP dropped the suffix letter just like on MPC notes, for example, B00012345. Well, that's how you identify replacement notes on MPC and the various AMC notes. At your next show, put some of this knowledge to use and you too might be able to move your retirement date up. =========================================== Editorial/opinion =========================================== Well, I have a little story to tell that relates to many current Gram topics: cherrypicking, replacements, and confidentially. Not too long ago, a collector called me, referred me to a listing on ebay, and asked the ubiquitous WIIW question (what is it worth). It was a well-worn but presentable fine note so I told him that I thought that it was worth $300. I noticed that the note had a bid of something like $50 so I also suggest that he should probably buy it. He uttered an excited explicative and then I noticed that he was the ebay seller. He went on to recount that he had purchased the note on ebay for a very small amount as part of a larger lot. He had hopped to get $5 for this one piece. When the note received the $50 bid mentioned above (and the supporting underbid) he wondered what was going on. He called another collector and they consulted on the note, but could determine nothing. That generated the call and WIIW to me. To make matters worse, once he learned that it was a replacement, he decided that he wanted the piece for his own collection. I do not know the final resolution. Hm, did I record the serial number? I do not recall on that. I also pointed out to him that replacements of this issue are identified in WWII Remembered and that I thought that possibly he should read (study) the book. I love telling people that. I asked him if I could tell the story in the Gram? He said no. I might even have asked if I could tell it but altering identities and facts (as done above). If I asked the question that way, he also said no. Have I violated a confidence? Possibly, but here is my justification. I believe that I have sufficiently discussed the participants and that enough time has passed to allow this to be done harmlessly. Furthermore, I think that it is a good story and particularly appropriate right now. I should add, that I did not see anything wrong with telling the story at the time. I thought that it would be helpful and interesting for Gramsters. =========================================== MAIL CALL =========================================== letters/submissions for Gram 1000 special double issue should be sent to MPCGram1000@yahoo.com Dear Steamed Freditor, Joe Boling's expose of my Milwaukee Mini-Fest note was a total surprise to me, as I had not planned any publicity on this issue until distribution of the remaining pieces had taken place at the Dallas convention next week. Joe also neglected to indicate that these trade notes were not intended strictly as pay since I would not consider myself to be a paymaster in any capacity. (I am a gramster only at heart, having a most sympathetic ear but never having attended a fest- but planning to do so in 2004 since dates were changed that now allow my participation.) Therefore I have requested that each recipient present me with some note in trade, so that all we have done is trade notes and these are then not considered to be pay in the strict sense. (HINT: I can use a number of other Fest issues, some of which I have never even seen.) There are only five or so released, those being at the ANA and going ONLY to those not planning on attending the Dallas event. The rest will be released in Dallas. A Specimen and an issued note will also be given to Marcus for the donation auction. Joe correctly surmised that there was no pay at the Milwaukee event; all such pieces are in fact $10 trade notes if signed. The only ones not printed on both sides are those made in preparation for final production. Each note comes with the data sheet, and that provides all necessary and unnecessary information. See you in Dallas! Neil S. Dear Neil, You expected to issue a note to a Fest/Gramster and for the matter to be kept secret? You name is on the Festlist. Editor Dear Gram, I feel properly admonished as I have on rare occasion taken a story from the Gram and included it in the weekly ANA publication Your Newsletter to publicize the Gram to our many new collectors. I will not take such liberties in the future. However, at the time, it seemed to me that with proper credit and contact information for the Gram, it was good to re-tell an especially good story about an ANA event or publish again something written by a YN. If I asked for a copy to be sent to YourNewsletter@Money.org (since that's how you determine what is OK for you to publish in the Gram) - would it then be OK? I often see something from YN included in E-sylum and visa-versa. Seems to me that once it is sent via email, it's no longer private or privileged. I print every copy of the Gram to forward to a friend who does not have email. Is that also a no-no? Gail Baker Dear Gail, You bring up several interesting points. First, the ANA may reprint any staff-written item from the Gram. Items with byline require the permission of the author in addition to our permission which you now have. In all cases with credit of course. It seems to me that printing a copy of the Gram for a non email receiving, but otherwise eligible person is satisfactory. Printing a copy and selling it (if you could find a buyer) would not be satisfactory it seems to me. I am sorry, but I do not understand the question in your second paragraph. Editor =========================================== CALENDAR OF EVENTS =========================================== http://calendar.yahoo.com/mpcgram Lyn Knight Auction [including major, old-time military money collection] August 20-24 Sheraton Grand Hotel 4440 West John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, Texas 75063 (972) 929-8400. Mini Fest anticipated, take your pay books! August 23 MPC barbeque, in conjunction with above Knight show/auction. Confirmed reservations: Doug Bell, Harold Kroll, David Seelye, Fred Schwan, Sam Feeback, Warner Talso, Neil Shafer, Joel Shafer, Steve Swoish, Marcus Turner, Bruce Potter, Frank Clark, john Cheney. Cost approximately $12 each, bring your paybooks. Send reservations to Doug Bell doug@papermoneyworld.net. August 28, the Charlton E. Meyer, Jr. and Gloria B. Meyer Collection of Holocaust and Camp Money will be exhibited at Holocaust Museum Houston. You are strongly urged to see it if at all possible. (take paybooks to the opening) http://www.hmh.org PCDA National and World Paper Money Convention. November 19-23, 2003. St. Louis Hilton Airport Hotel, 10330 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63134. Lyn Knight auction, consignment deadline September 30, 2003 2004 CPMX February 26-28, Lyn Knight auction. Consignment deadline January 10, 2004. March 5-7, MPCFest V, reservations now being accepted. Reservations entered in order received: Roger Urce#$$, John Cheney#$, David Seelye, Harold Kroll, Gail Baker#, Leo May$$$, Kevin Neidy, Cuneyd Tolek, Warner Talso, Cameron Bueschel, Wendell Wolka, John V. Craig#, John Cheney#, Steve Swoish, Joe Bissell#, Sparky Watson, Nick Schrier, Loretta Freyser, Dick Freyser, Ron Waddell, Robert Drew, Ed Arrich#, Neil Shafer#, Fred Schwan. # new Fester, $ paid. $$ paid single occupancy. Running totals: total 24, new festers 8. Standard rate $148, single occupancy $198, payments may be made by mailing paper instruments of any kind to BNR Press (or MPCFest or even Fred Schwan) at 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452. Payments may also be sent via PayPal (fredschawan@yahoo.com). Once you have sent your payment, monitor the above list to ensure that it has been received and posted). Show n tell: Gail Baker (education@money.org) Travel coordination: Sparky Watson (mcwatson@yahoo.com) Auction items: Larry Smulczenski (skifla@prodigy.net) Exhibits: Joe Boling (joeboling@aol.com) Masstricht April 23-25, Valkenburg, The Netherlands, contact Jos Eijsermans, Box 3240, NL 5930 Tegelen Netherlands ======================================== 2004 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. Al Glaser RA Medina Warner Talso David Seelye Russ Walsh Joe Boling Harold Kroll Pam West Ed Hoffman Ron Wadell Wes Hardy Dick Freyser Robert Drew Brett Irick Kevin Neidy Brian Giese 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 ? Joel Shafer ? Mikhail (Misha) Istomin ? Gary Hicks ? Robert Drew ? Tom Warburton ? Larry Lee ? Fred Schwan ? Mark Watson ? Harold Kroll ? Ian Marshall ? Marcus Turner ? Neil Shafer ? Keith & Sue Bauman Contact me at: "Marcus Turner" mailto: 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 IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION Additional information can be found at the link below. We encourage everyone to print copies of this information and distribute it to those who might be interested. Further you are encouraged to e-mail the pdf document to anyone you see fit. Thank you http://www.papermoneyworld.net/news/Military Numismatists Scholarship Fund 2003.pdf Marcus Turner Scholarships from the ANA: See the following location for an application for financial aid to the summer seminar: http://www.money.org/sumsemfin.html =========================================== MPC ANA Museum Project =========================================== ANA collection of MPC: Thanks to donations from Douglas Bell, Dick Fryser, Ed Beaman, Bruce Peacock, David Seelye, Michael Cummings, Ray Czahor, David Pitchford and Mr 691the ANA MPC collection is current as follows: Series 100 - [50 sen], [1Y, 5Y, 10Y, 20Y all A underprint] Series 461 - 5, [10] cents, [$1] Series 471 - [5, 10, 25, 50 cents, $10] Series 472 - [5, 10 cents], [$1, $10] Series 481 - 5 cents, [10, 25 cents], 50 cents, $1, [$5] $10 Series 521 - 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, [$10] Series 541 - 5, 10, 25 cents Series 591 - [5, 10, 25, 50 cents, $1] Series 611 - [5, 10, 25 cents, $1] Series 641 - 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, $1, $5, $10 Series 651 - [$1] Series 661 - [10, 25, 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 =========================================== RESEARCH =========================================== New modification to the database you can now retrieve your password if you have forgotten at the main logon screen. Keep in mind syntax is important. The mpc database has changed its name it now going to be referred as, WW II P a p e r M o n e y D a t a B a s e This is just a hint of things to come If you are having trouble logging on please inform Doug Bell At doug@papermoneyworld.net 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 http://www.thempcman.net/, mailto: 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 Denlys of Boston (617) 482-8477 denlys@aol.com Doric Coins & Currency (508) 699-2266 (508) 643-1154 FUN (407) 321-8747 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) 720-0659 LeoMayEnt@aol.com 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) 897-1654 (voice and fax) 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. US propaganda version of Japan 10¥ note. See page 536 of WWII Remembered (also available, autographed if you like $69 postpaid), catalog number 169 with number 2009 in the upper right corner of the back. Basically an extremely fine example. Centerfold and two small stains in the bottom margin. Yours for $150. 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 01; Anyone that has a series 691 $1 dollar note or a $20 note that the serial number ends in 05 I am willing to trade my gem unc same notes plus a bonus of cash to sweeten the trade or am willing to buy the notes out right? I am trying to finish my set with matching numbers Thanks Kevin Please call 248-830-6390 $4.00 Serial number 201; $5.00 Serial number 201; $10.00 Serial number 101; $20.00 serial number 101. Will buy, trade MPC, MFC, FRN notes. Put your for sale notice in the Gram. =========================================== MPC Gram Staff: Publisher, editor: Fred Schwan - MPCGram@yahoo.com Subscription Manager:Doug Bell- doug@papermoneyworld.net Tuesday Columnist : JoeBoling - JoeBoling@aol.com Friday Columnis: Warner Talso: wtalso@aol.com Fest Auctioneer: Larry "Ski" Smulczenski - skifla@prodigy.net Critic:Harold Kroll - HARBONS@aol.com Scholarship Coordinator: Marcus Turner - maturner@indy.rr.com 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! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com