Hello! I want to expand my military trade token collection into military payment certificates. I'm new to paper and to MPCs, so if anyone could point me in the right direction as far as references or guides, I would be most grateful. I've seen some stunning MPCS on this site before...so if anyone wants to post some here for me to admire and be jealous of, feel free to post 'em please!
Hi Jwt. I can't help you with the MPC's but there are a couple of really knowledgeable members on here who I'm sure will chime in. Since I don't seem to be able to upload a picture to a p/m (conversation) I wanted to show you a token I just came across from Ft. Sill. I don't know if this is privately issued or a military issue but was just curious about 1t. Please start a conversation if you if you have any info about it. Thanks. Bruce
www.papermoneyworld.net will give you much of the information you need about MPC. The Standard Catalog of Military Payment Certificates by Fred Schwan is the original reference. I believe it is in its fourth edition but that is from 2002. The Comprehensive Guide to Military Payment Certificates by Carlson Chambliss is a newer reference. If you want a baptism by fire, come to the MPCFest in Port Clinton, OH the first weekend in May. You will meet Schwan, Chambliss and a whole plethora of military money enthusiasts (including myself). Subscribe to the MPCGram, an e-newsletter about military numismatics. It is having some publishing problems right now but will be back online soon. Email the editor, Roger Urce, at mpcgram@yahoo.com.
Hey thanks! The MPCFest sounds cool but I just moved to England so...won't be making that trip. Looks like it would be wise to have bot references. I HAVE to check out MPCGram, thanks for that too.
You will not need both references. The pricing in both books is questionable. Schwan because it is old and Chambliss because it was compiled at the height of the MPC market 2008-2010. Get David Seelye's pricelist. When you write Roger Urce about the MPCGram see if he will send you David's email for his list. The prices are aggressive but it is the most comprehensive dealer list out there and can be used as a guide (knock about a third off for real value). Shop around for pricing. None of the notes are so scarce that you will never see them again. I do not know of any shops in the UK that would stock many. Perhaps Pam West.
Good tip on the Pam West...thanks! Likely many purchases will be online, but I want to get references first and not just dive in.
Another question... how about grading? Do those references provide info for grading or is there a better option out there?
