Military Payment Certificates Turn 80
Series 461 Military Payment Certificates were issued in Europe eighty year ago today, 16 September 1946!
It is very likely that the first MPC collectors were created on this day. As far as we know this important milestone was ignored by numismatic publications.
Honoring Steve Feller
Tom Sparks present short snoter to Ray Feller
Many Festers in attendance at ANA World's Fair of Money
Joe and Louise Boling attended the ANA World's Fair of Money 8/25-8/28/2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. Many other Festers were there also, among them Jennifer and Eric Kibbey, Clifford Mishler, Kathy Freeland, John and Nancy Wilson, Danny Spungeon, Ray Feller, along with Leo and Momo, and Fred and Judy Schwan. One person missing and very much missed: "Ben Franklin," as portrayed by Patrick McBride, recently deceased.
As always, many things were happening. The exhibit area was very popular, with a number of exhibits either placed by Festers, or of interest to Festers. Having said that, there were no new specifically military exhibits. Tom Sparks did bring his extensive exhibit on short-snorters, which drew much attention from the public. In addition to the exhibits, there were many other opportunities to learn something new. The ANA offered their lecture series Money Talks, and there was also the Sundman Lectures and luncheon. As many will be aware, often the most enjoyable and memorable parts of an ANA or other shows are the unofficial activities. One such event at this ANA was a marvelous dinner honoring our dear friend Steve Feller, noted author and collector of internment camp money, and the father and grandfather of the next generations of collectors. A commemorative medal with his likeness was distributed at the dinner. Many attendees were taking pictures, but unfortunately, not your correspondent! If readers of the Gram have pictures, perhaps they will share them in the next Gram.
Louise Boling, field correspondent
Writing awards
The Numismatic Literary Guild has an extensive program of awards. Each year at the ANA convention the Guild recognizes the various types of numismatic writing. This year the Guild's top award (the Clemy) was presented to friend of the Gram Dennis Tucker.
The best column on paper money went to Festers Boling and Schwan for their long-running column "The Odd Couple" that appears in Paper Money, the journal. of the Society of Paper Money Collectors.
Longivity Award
The association recognizes members for long service.This year Fester Schwan was recognized for fifty years membership. Gramsters should take the opportunity to give congratulations to Judy for receiving this award.
Editorial
We were disappointed to to have such short notice of Ray Feller's camp money presentation last week, but the presentation went well and seems to have been well attended. The good news is that ltlhe presentation will be available for viewing later. Go to https://info.money.org/numismatalks
The next event on the numismatic calendar for me is IKO TAMS. I can hear the head scratching out there. Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio Token and Medal Society! This event is a Fest on steroids. This will be the 50th year for this event. It is unfair to compare the two events. IKO is a bourse, but, still 50 years is impressive. I have only attended a few times, but only because I failed to put it on the calendar. I am excited to ge attending again and would be happy to chat with you there.
Mail Call
The Gram welcomes mail from readers. Mail may be edited for space or clarity. Writers must be known to the editorial office and will be identified in the Gram by real or nickname.
Dear Editor,
I just wanted to comment on the Gram article by Tom Sparks about the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, PA.
Because Indiana is my hometown it brought back memories of shopping at Stewart's Hardware Store that was located across the street from the museum and looking at the window display that was dedicated to Jimmy's WWII and acting accomplishments. It was a thrill to walk down Main Street and see Jimmy strolling along when he was back in Indiana to visit his parents.
I've enjoyed visiting the museum and would recommend a visit to anyone in the area.
Thanks for memories Tom!
— John Watta
Gram 2666 identified February 19-21, 2027 for next years Fest. The calendar portion of subsequent Grams says March 19-21.
Which is it?
— JAD
Dear JAD,
19-21 March, 19-21 March, 19-21 March and 19-21 March.
— Editor
Training Schedule (calendar)
2026
Japanese American Internment Camp Money from WWII 10 September 10, 2026, 12 p.m. MT
Ray Feller will share both numismatics and exonumia from the Japanese American Internment Camps during WWII. The talk will go through the history and describe how the internees put lives together while behind barbed wire. Highlights include special coupons, co-op money, event tickets, special tokens, and more. She will also share how she and her father researched this area.
IKO TAMS Englewood, Oho 9-10 October. Fred Schwan attending
Michigan State Numismatic Society 20 - 21 November. Kathy Freeland, Fred Schwan attending
2027
MPCFest, Holiday Inn Express, Port Clinton, OH 19-21 March registration required (except bourse 19 - February) 419 349 1872 (questions) 419 732 7322 (registration, ask for Kim).
American Numismatic Association National Money Show, 4-6 March Virginia Beach, VA (Bolings attending).
Michigan State Numismatic Society 9-11 April. Kathy Freeland attending
Georgia Numismatic Association April 16-18, Dalton, GA. (John Phipps, David Marble attending)
Central States Numismatic Society, April 21-24 Schaumburg, IL
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, Kathy Freeland, Loretta Freyser, Al Glaser, Dave Hunsicker, Brett Irick, Jennifer and Eric Kibbey (dba Camelot Coins), Harold Kroll, Bill Myers, Joel Shafer.
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.
Large World War II home front ration collection featuring an MV red token and ration book 5. Too many items to describe. Contact Dave Frank at dave@frankcomputers.com and I will email you a list of all the items. Would prefer to sell the whole collection rather than individual items. It's a very nice collection accumulated over 25 years.
List your items for sale here for FREE
WANTED
Harold Kroll HARBONS@aol.com