Hi! I recently came upon 4 bills that I thought were game money , but after a little research I have learned they were used by the US military in Vietnam. They were in the amounts of: 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and $1. It looks to be completely uncirculated and right off the press- absolutely mint condition. The envelope in which I found them said" Military Payment Certificates, used in Vietnam, "Funny Money". I was just wondering if anyone could give me more information on their worth and rarity? Any help I can get I'd appreciate Thanks!
Those look nice. They are the more common ones and if you can find the $5's thru $20's of MPC's they are worth lots sometimes. Nice find.
What does the grade mean? I assume it's something about the condition but could be wrong... Also, what are the little numbers printed on the bills in black ink- not the serial numbers... the other ones? Are these worth anything at all since they are in great condition? Thanks!
One of our members - mpcusa knows an awful lot about these. Take a look at some of his threads and posts. This site will you get you started on evaluating your certificates: http://www.allensinc.com/coins/currency/military_payment_certificates.htm This site will explain grades: http://www.pmgnotes.com/grading/grading-scale.asp
OK, Khart, you have come into possession of some highly desirable MPCs. The envelop you found them in is marked correctly. They are the Series 681, issued on 11AUG69 and withdrawn on 7OCT70, issued only in Vietnam. Other than MPC, we called them script, funny money and monopoly or game money. We have a resident expert, goes by handle of MPCUSA. He will be along shortly. Take what he says as gospel. He has forgotten more than I will ever learn about MPC. It is my sincerest recommendation that you move-out immediately, if not sooner, to the nearest coin store/dealer and purchase clear paper money protectors for the safe keeping of your newly acquired treasures. They are beautiful. The white borers are stain free and not yellowed, making them of gem quality. You lucked out! Good on you!
well it is 1:00 AM here now, so I can't go pick up anything to put them in at the present moment, but I will be sure to do so tomorrow. Thanks so much for your reply. I am really excited now!
Writing the obvious, but make sure your hands are free of oil and pets, et cetera. Congratulations. That particular Series is a favorite. I wouldn't even take them with you to the coin shop. Just get the covers. I just ordered this month. I am going through the larger ones quickly due to a shopping spree on World Notes. Have Fun. Looks like it is destiny that you become a collector of MPC's.
Yes Grade is the condition it is it. The higher the grade, condition, quality, shape it's in (not bent, folded, creased, stained, torn, holed, rusted, ect) the better the grade and the grade = price. Like I said above the higher denom's the rarer they are. And you have the lower denoms. I'd guess that your nickel and dime note's look like they would make CU wish could leave them at $4 to $20 each. That 25 center has some staining at the top so more like $4 for it and if the $1 is CU like it looks it's more like $9 to $40 for it. Now if you had the $10 or $20 in CU you'd be looking more like $200 to $ 1000. Again congrates on the find.
Thanks for all your help, Duke! I might have to go back to that barn and look around some more- but I think I'll just put these in holders and in the safe for a few years and let them get a little older Who knows, maybe I'll come across some more in the future to add to the collection. Thanks again!
Nice examples Khart! What you have there is the Series 681 5 cent through $1 here is the rest Of the set to look for which i will post for you, i,am sure everybody else here as seen them more Then once. Uncirculated notes usually come in at 65,s and then you go from there, then you look at Centering and over all condition higher number more money lower number less money There other issues to consider is there any pin holes, rip,s or tears these will also Degrade the note in to a lower grade, Also can you post these pic,s with a dark back round? It would make the outlines of the notes clearer to me and i could give you better overall Grade estimate.
Here,s another tid bit on value lets take your Series 681 $1 and it,s in uncirculated condition Book value (i use the dealer green sheet) gem 65 is about $20 but if it graded higher like the One i have in my collection There are only 6 in this grade with none higher and would have a value between $475-$550 As you can see how a $20 note grow,s up fast!
