MPC on the Block
Fester-Collector Bill McNease has consigned his Military Payment Certificate collection to Stacks-Bowers for sale. The collection is a forty or more year labor of love by McNease who first learned about MPC during his Army service in Vietnam.
The collection of some 500 MPC includes many replacements and regular issue certificates in excellent condition. The collection is being sold in several parts. The part in question is part two. It is appearing in a Stacks-Bowers internet only sale commencing on 24 October. Festers are encouraged to review the notes, bid, and report here their results.
Another WWII Numismatic Item
by Bill Myers
I often push the numismatic envelope but this time I may be shredding it. I just acquired a wooden cigar box that is Government Seal cigars. It was made at factory no. 288 1st dist. PA according to the information on the bottom of the box. They were sold for 2 for 25 cents. On the bottom of the box, it states they cannot be sold for less than 8 cents or more than 15 cents to meet the regulations of the tax stamp. There is a tax stamp on the box with an image of Henry Clay and class E 50 (I assume the number of cigars in the box) series 114. So far, no military connection but a monetary connection to tax stamps. The World War II link is that series 114 tax stamps was for tobacco products manufactured in 1944. A real weak connection but I am keeping the box.
I was unable to find out any information about Government Seal. The box is rather plain, so I wonder if they are a generic type of cigar or a standard cigar. The OPA mandated for a 5 cents cigar, but it cost 7.5 cents, and the average cigar smoker was paying 10 to 25 cents for a cigar, so the price is in line with normal prices. Could Government Seal be a brand for soldiers sold in the PX? Can any festers add anything to this?
Editorial
I think that Bill is correct that he flirts with the line between numismatic and nonnumismatic items. It is worth repeating that MPCGram is a numismatic newsletter. True, our numismatic material almost always has a significant historic background. Ideally items for the Gram will feature the history of a military numismatic item. This is sort of a rule, but we frequently bend or break it here in the Gram and I especially enjoy breaking it for an item like Bill's cigar box! I must admit that I have a few cigar boxes in my collection, but none are as interesting as Bill's. Mine are all without historic OR numismatic connections. They are simple, convenient boxes to hold actual artifacts. Thank you Bill.
Mail Call
The MPCGram welcomes letters from readers. Letters should be relevant to military numismatics. Letters may be edited. Senders must be known to the Gram and names (actual or "fictional") will be used.
Dear Gram,
I was sad to read that Guido has passed. I spent many pleasant hours with him at Memphis paper money shows.
— Harold Kroll
Training Schedule
2024 shows
2025
- ANA National Money Show, Feb 27-1 March 2025
- GNA Show, 11-13 April
- MPC Fest 2025 dates -- 4-6 April
- Michigan State NS -- April 10-12
- ANA World's Fair of Money -- 19-23 Aug, Oklahoma City
Please help us fill in the dates for the events listed and give us any additional events that might conflict. Thank you very much.
Resources
MPC Boot Camp by Fred Schwan https://youtu.be/ReL-dBk2cPk
MPCFest Sponsors
Joe and Louise Boling, Steve and Ray Feller, Dave Frank, Al Glaser, Dave Hunsicker, Brett Irick, Harold Kroll, Mike Marcil, Bill Myers and Warner Talso.
MPCFest is possible because of the generous support of its sponsors.
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Do you have something for sale (or trade)? Are you looking for something for your collection? You can offer items here in the Gram or list specific items that you need.
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WANTED
Wanted to Buy [WTB] / In Search of [ISO] $10 Series 1934A North Africa silver certificate with the altered blue seal discussed in October 2022 MPCGram by Larry Smulczenski (Saturski #13) and covered in May/June 2008 SPMC article written by Peter Huntoon and Jim Downey. Please contact Andy Conroy (andyqconroy@gmail.com)