FUN for Festers
Louise Boling from the field
Joe and I left Indianapolis at 2300 on 6 January for the 17 or so hour trip from Indianapolis to Orlando, Florida, anticipating a good time at FUN, the Florida United Numismatics show. The drive down was uneventful, always a good description for a road trip. Once it got light, I carried out my duty as shotgun rider by reading to Joe. The appointed reading was a book titled Supernotes, by Jim Davidson, a retired Secret Service agent, about the counterfeit US $100 bills nicknamed Supernotes because of their high quality. The book is a novelized telling of the tale of the search for the origin of these notes. There are probably better sources of information about that search and the notes themselves than this book.
The show itself was excellent, as always, with a huge bourse – more than 500 tables, I was told. Even with that many dealers, I did not find much in the way of military numismatics, though I am not much of a shopper at those big shows. I did find a lovely medal from the Italian company Johnson Medaglie, Milano, commemorating women in the Italian resistance from 1943 – 1945. Among the annual events at FUN is the Society of Paper Money Collectors (SPMC) breakfast. The Tom Bain raffle is held during the breakfast, emceed by our own Wendell Wolka, looking elegantly slim and handsome as he drew tickets and called numbers. There was a mini-Fest on the show schedule, but no meeting transpired. Perhaps we can do better at the ANA National Money Show® in February. If you plan to attend that show and would like a mini-fest, contact me at copperboling@gmail.com, and let's see what we can arrange.
Louise Boling, Public Information Officer, Company D
Stamp Show Treasure
by Bill Myers
I recently purchased this cover that was mailed from Canton, Ohio on 5 November 1943 that has a sticker on it that shows male and female stick figures carrying a package and states "TO HELP THE WAR I carry THIS PACKAGE, At request of Ohio Council of Defense Gov. John W. Bricker, Chairman."
An internet search reveals there was a program to encourage people to carry their groceries and packages home rather than transport them in a vehicle to save gas and tire rubber, which were rationed. There is some hypocrisy as a vehicle was used to deliver the envelope using gas and rubber tires (unless it was postmarked and carried out instead of mailing, but the condition of the envelope does not support). I feel this can be included in a ration collection. As a bonus for me the postmark states "BUY WAR SAVINGS BONDS AND STAMPS", another area of interest to me.
Editorial
Here is something that I do not say very often: I hope to see you at the stamp show! Yes, formerly called the Garfield Perry Stamp Show or something like that, it is now simply called the March Party. This is a very good event. I always, well usually, find some interesting numismatic material. Of course you know that my definition of numismatic is very broad. War savings stamps are obvious. I have all of the routine stamps, but I have found such stamps used as postage on cover at this show! Two examples of stamp show treasure are included here. Both were submitted by super sleuth Bill Myers.
All too often this show conflicts with the Fest (or extended Fest), but this year is clear. A new Fester (Dave) is going to be there. If you are going to be in the area, I would love to chat with you.
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 "Internet") will be used.
Dear Editor,
Look at this neat war bond item re the US Coast Guard!
— Myers
Dear Bill,
Yes, nice item. Did you get one for me?
— Editor
Dear Editor,
Thank you so very much for honoring Dave by the picture of you and him in today's Gram. I know he is smiling! So special to me.
— Judy Seelye
Dear Judy,
Thank you for writing. We are happy that you are reading your Gram and we are pleased to run the photo again.
— Editor
Dear Editor,
Thanks for the nice credit regarding your class at Summer Seminar. You and Joe have made it the huge success it is! I'm proud to have been a part.
— Gail
Dear Gail,
We are happy that you too are reading your Gram! The military class was your idea, but I do recall when I thought of the idea of the advanced class!
— Editor
Training Schedule (calendar)
2026
In this section, the MPGram lists events that are likely to be of special interest to collectors who are interested in MPC and other type of military numismatic items. We do not list "routine" coin shows where a collector might find a few items by chance. However, if we know that some Festers or Gramsters will be there we will list that same show in the hope of promoting fellowship. Send us your reports.
Garfield Perry stamp show, Strongsville, Ohio 10-13 (Fred attending on Friday) MSNS – 17-19 Apr, Oakland Expo Center, Waterford MI
MPCFest 2026 10-12 April 2026
Traditionally, spring is the time when armies begin thinking about campaigning. As we look past winter into spring, the annual "campaign" of MPC Fest approaches. Fest is the premier event of the year for those who collect Military Payment Certificates or any other form of military currency. For those who have not attended, Fest is a combination of educational presentations, a hard-fought military numismatic trivia contest, the annual Dining-In, and above all, fellowship with other military collectors, and of course – poker. What would a military event be without poker? And to build your collection, it begins with an open-to-the public bourse on Friday and ends with an auction on Sunday. It is an event not to be missed for anyone with any interest in military currency. Dates for Fest 2026 are Friday, 10 April 2026 through Sunday, 12 April 2026. Location is Camp Leo May, aka the Holiday Inn Express, 50 NE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH, 43452. Register by calling 419-732-7322. Don't miss this unique event. Oorah!
Call to Convention
Ray Feller
Hello everyone! It is time to ready your staff briefings for this year's Fest! It will be very hard to have a Fest without my dad, but he was extremely proud of how much the Fest focuses on education, and I intend to continue ensuring that the programs continue to be strong.
If you are interested in participating but have any questions at all, feel free to reach out to me at ray.feller@gmail.com.
Please fill out this interest form to help us organize accordingly.
Georgia Numismatic Assn Show 17-19 Apr, Dalton – Festers attending Central States - 22-25 April Netherlands world paper money show 1-3 May ANA Summer Seminar (Boling counterfeit paper course): 20-25 Jun ANA Summer Seminar (WWII course): 27 Jun-2 July ANA World's Fair of Money® - 25-29 Aug, Pittsburgh
Please help us fill in the dates for events listed and give us any additional events that might conflict. Thank you very much.
MPCFest sponsors
Joe and Louise Boling, Mike Buckley, Steve Fahrlander, Ray Feller family, Dave Frank, Loretta Freyser, Al Glaser, Jennifer and Eric Kibbey (dba Camelot Coins), Harold Kroll, Bill Myers and Warner Talso.
MPCFest is possible because of the generous support of its sponsors.
Gram Exchange
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.
FOR SALE
Send your text and images (!) to the editor for inclusion in the Gram Exchange. Please send the images in jpeg format with each image in a separate file.
List your items for sale here for FREE
Fifth edition of the standard MPC reference book the Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates by Schwan and Smulczenski. Now full color and packed with great information. $75 postpaid. No waiting--the fastest service possible. Send your snail mail address via email and we will send your book with an invoice. The digital version of Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates after some delay is now shipping at $40. Send to fredschwan@yahoo.com.
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)