In honor of all 9-11 heroes -- and all those who serve

A few words about Military Payment Certificates (MPCs) on this 15^th Anniversary of 9-11

Today we honor all those who have served and all those who continue to keep our nation and our communities safe

Military Payment Certificates, also known as MPCs, are paper money in cent denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 and dollar denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 20. The MPC program was at its peak during the Vietnam War. 

Here is a picture of one of my favorites

As a major world power, the United States military devised the MPC program immediately following World War II. In post war Europe, US dollars became very valuable due to the high inflation rates of local currencies. Hence, US servicemen stationed overseas could purchase very high value items for relatively small numbers of US dollars. 

To overcome this problem and help stabilize foreign economies, MPCs were developed and used from the time immediately following World War II until about the end of the Vietnam War (1946-1973). 

In the opinion of many military veterans and collectors like me, MPCs include some of the most beautiful currency notes the US has ever printed. I look at these currency notes and see not only the financial impact they made for me while I served overseas in the US Navy, but the military, political and social environments surrounding them. 

 I think that these beautifully engraved Military Payment Certificates are some of most artistic pieces of currency ever made.

So on this historically significant day commemorating all the heroes of 9-11, we wish you God’s Speed and a peaceful, prosperous future.

Only 32 Exist: Chicago Burke-Glass Federal Reserve Note (FRN)

Chicago Burke-Glass Federal Reserve Note

In December of 1913, during his first year in office, Democratic President Woodrow Wilson aggressively influenced and subsequently signed into law the Federal Reserve Act. This Act of Congress established the Federal Reserve System and the US Central Banking System (a major reform for US banking and currency).
Importantly, this Act provided the US central banking system official authority to issue Federal Reserve Notes and Federal Reserve Bank Notes as legally authorized US currency. Strong critics to this day (most especially conservative Republicans) question whether the Federal Government has the constitutional authority to create such sweeping reform. Does this Act (and the Federal Reserve System) protect powerful financial interests and thereby increase recession risks such as what this nation has just experienced? Notably, the bill’s co-sponsor was the Chairmen of the House Banking and Currency Committee, Virginia Congressional Democratic Representative Carter Glass.

 7G (the G denotes Chicago; District: Chicago, Illinois; Series 1918; pp A – plate position A (shows where it was located on the original printed sheet); 30 Very Fine

Though WWI (the Great War, The War to End all Wars) began in Europe in 1914, America did not officially enter this war until 6 April 1917. Democratic President Woodrow Wilson (our 28^th president who served from 1913 to 1921) promised to “keep us out of war” as his running campaign and this promise helped him win the 1913 election. WW1 ended on 11 November 1918 – Armistice Day -- a day we continue recognize and honor the more than 50,000 soldiers who perished during this Great War.

Wilson won presidential election in 1913 due in part to his vow for neutrality, Wilson and Glass helped establish the banking and currency reform that made this series 1918 Federal Reserve Note possible. Both men were from Virginia, both were Democrats, and both advocated for the federal authority behind sweeping banking reform. Carter Glass served as the US Secretary of the Treasury, appointed by President Wilson, from 1918 to 1920 – a very short period of time.

His signature as Secretary of the Treasury is seen on series 1914 and 1918 Federal Reserve Notes, printed while he held that position.
So that explains the Carter Glass signature, but who was John Burke and why is the Burke-Glass signature combination so rare?

John Burke a North Dakota Democrat, staunchly supported Woodrow Wilson’s bid for president during the 1912 Democratic National Convention. Because of Burke, all of North Dakota’s votes favored Wilson. Wilson of course won the election and in gratitude, named Burke US Treasurer a position he held from 1913 to 1921. 

Therefore, this rare signature combination only appears on notes produced for fewer than two short years.

The 7-G notation for District: Chicago, Illinois creates additional interest and rarity. 

The note’s central portrait figure is that of US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall who lived from 1755 to 1835 and served as the fourth US Chief Justice from 1801-1835. Marshall remains the court’s longest serving Chief Justice. Of huge importance were Marshall’s efforts to establish the US Supreme Court as an equal and independent third government branch, along with the executive and legislative branches.

Like Wilson and Glass, Marshall was also a Virginian and like Wilson and Glass, worked to build a strong federal government For example, the 1819 US Supreme Court decision in the McCulloch v. Maryland case upheld the power of the federal government to authorize the Second Bank of the United States.

So the question is: what would this extremely rare series 1918 Chicago Burke-Glass Federal Reserve Note have to say? Would it speak of war, and peace, and political power, intrigue, and favoritism? Would the note tell all of us that the year it was printed, the “War to End all Wars” ended? Perhaps that is why the engraved picture on the back shows a group of Native Americans (1541) with their Chief who is clearly holding a peace pipe? ……Peace…… How amazing would that be? 

© 2016. Treasuredstocks.com

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For more information about and examples of Federal Reserve Notes and other rare currency, please visit treasuredstocks.com. For queries and questions, please call me, Jeff Smith, at 870-670-4255 or email me jeff@treasuredstocks.com

We are official members of multiple numismatic-related organizations. Thus, Treasuredstocks.com welcomes any and all questions regarding our coin and currency postings and our passion for collecting coins and currency of all types.

What, you may ask, is an Obsolete Currency Note … (aka “broken bank note”)

“Obsolete” Currency “Obsolete Notes” … 

so much more than just a dictionary definition 

Most non-collectors of American currency items believe that the US Federal Government has always been the source for printed currency items – not true!
 The US BEP (Bureau of Engraving and Printing) didn’t even exist until 29 August, 1862! 

Currency money produced from 1782 until about 1866 (or later) could have been issued by many assorted bodies including railroads, state and local banks, state and local government entities (states, counties, towns, cities) and even companies, religious orders, and merchants. Existing notes from these non-federal issues are all identified as “obsolete currency” items. Importantly, bank issued currency notes during that time period were and still are the most common.  Due to their important place in history, obsolete notes in good condition (high grades with PPQ or EPQ designations) are often worth much more than face value, especially to avid collectors like Jeff at Treasuredstocks.com. Most obsolete notes are beautifully designed artwork with colorful and graphic illustrations. 

Obsolete notes have, at times, been identified as “broken bank notes” related to the numerous bank failures of issuing banks.  Failed banks were termed “broken” banks and thus, their issued currency was deemed “broken.” However, many issuing banks, or their successors, still exist; therefore, “obsolete” note is a more preferred term. 

Interestingly, obsolete notes can be printed on almost any type or quality of paper including note and wall paper. You may find that due to severe paper shortages and printing costs, obsolete notes were printed on just one side and unused sheets of notes could be reused in reverse! 

Collections of obsolete notes are extremely exciting, historical, and diverse. Collections by specific year, state, town, bank, or entity (e.g. vignette, merchant, or theme) are common. Appreciation of these rare and sought-after notes is assured!

Morgan Silver Dollar: History in your Hands!

1879 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin

The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most widely collected and studied silver coins ever produced by the US government. 

Authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of February 28, 1878, this famous coin gets its name from its designer 

George T. Morgan.

The Morgan dollar's story is a Cinderella tale: Until the 1960s, it was largely ignored by the public. Since then, it has become among the most widely pursued and desired of all U. S. coins.

No other mint evokes the imagery of our American Old West better than the Carson City Mint. The Carson City Mint produced silver and gold coins with ore mined from the famous Comstock Lode and other Western mines between 1870 and 1893.

Among the coins struck at this Old West mint was this popular Morgan Silver Dollar, which, as noted, was named after its designer, George T. Morgan. It has become one of the most collected silver coins in our history, the Morgan Silver Dollar was first struck in 1878.
Importantly, as interest increases, values for these historical coins increase!

In fact, when Jesse James and his gang robbed a bank, most of their takings were Morgan Silver Dollars, often called “Cartwheels” because they were the largest U.S. coins ever minted for circulation. 

Struck in .900 Fine Silver from the famous Comstock Lode, they were the favorite form of money in the old Wild West.

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Treasuredstocks.com is very proud to be able to list some of the most precious and valuable currency items in the world. We have over 4,000 items to choose from with huge variety and selections.

We are Official Dealers for PCGS and PMG grading institutes.  

Treasuredstocks.com is also a member of numerous Numismatist organizations including Professional Currency Dealers Association (PCDA) and American Numismatic Association (ANA). 

Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. 

The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor. Please contact us at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com 

We look forward to serving you.

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Famous, Rare, Beautiful -- Lazy Deuce

“Lazy Deuce” Holds Fourth Position Among 

Top 100 Greatest American Currency Notes!

For those of us who collect coins and currency, it is no surprise that the rare and ornately stunning “Lazy Deuce” is placed among the top five of America’s  most fascinating currency notes. It’s just historically exquisite!

Bowers and Sundman (Whitman Publishing, Atlanta, GA- 2006) began writing their outstanding book “100 Greatest American Currency Notes” by surveying the leading and widely diverse group of currency dealers. These authors asked each dealer to list what they believed to be the top American currency notes. The results, along with photos and descriptions, of this survey are included in their book. To no surprise, our beloved “Lazy Deuce” (page 26) is fourth among the most fascinating notes we American collectors  have ever seen! And here’s why…  

Lazy Deuce National Bank Note (NBN)

The word “Deuce” is a Latin word meaning “two.” 

We use it as slang when playing cards, sports, buying trucks/motorcycles, or showing the “V” for victory. We also use it to denote an amazing piece of currency with a distinctive “2”. This number 2 is “lazy” because it is reclining lazily (horizontal) on its side, just above the name of the National Bank (instead of being positioned upright and vertical).  Additionally, that tilted 2 is huge, spreading across over half of the note’s width.

The Lazy Deuce first appeared as large size nationals during America’s Civil War, when National Bank Note currency was introduced to help finance Northern interests. Prior to this introduction, the federal government issued coins but basically allowed states to finance and circulate their own currency. Additionally, to help thwart numerical alterations on bank notes, one method was to print hugely over-sized horizontal numbers (e.g. the 2,3,5, etc.) across the note’s front or face.

But the huge “Lazy” 2  isn’t the only stunning feature on Lazy Deuce currency! In addition to the number 2, you’ll see an engraved woman holding the American Flag (engraved by Louis Delnoce, titled “Stars and Stripes”), an extremely important patriotic symbol during the war. On the note’s reverse side, also engraved by L. Delnoce, appears a remake of the painting “Sir Walter Raleigh Presenting Corn & Tobacco to the English.”
The issuing state’s seal and an eagle with shield are also shown. The exquisitely engraved “green backs” some say is the origin of the slang expression by the same name! 

There are basically about seven types of Lazy Deuce notes with Frieberg numbers between 387-393. The most rare with the highest grades are in enormous demand, especially among private collectors! Why? Because not only are they rare, but their eye appeal is vast because of the “Sir Walter Raleigh…” and the “Stars & Stripes” vignettes of master engraver Louis Delnoce as well as the state’s (or territorial) seal of the bank of issue.  

Indeed, the “Lazy Deuce” has earned its number four position among America’s most famous, and most collected currency notes. Come see our assortment of Lazy Deuce items at Treasuredstocks.com. 

We look forward to helping you build your amazing collection! 

Enjoy!

For a look at some rare and collectible currency, visit us at

http://www.treasuredstocks.com/currency/

We are official members of multiple numismatic-related organizations. Thus, Treasuredstocks.com welcomes any and all questions regarding our coin and currency postings and our passion for collecting coins and currency of all types. 

We are here to assist you! 

Please give us a call at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com

How Christopher Columbus and the Chicago World's Fair are forever linked

US Mint-Issued Chicago World’s Fair Commemorative Coins 

For some exciting information on these very rare and valuable coins, read on….

From May to October of 1893, Chicago was THE  place to go for 46 nations that participated in the Chicago World’s Fair, also known as the  
World’s Columbian Exposition. 

This fair commemorated the 400 year anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s New World discovery (hence the Columbian designation) as well as Chicago’s celebrated transformation following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Over 70,000 exhibitors, in 200 buildings, displayed  the latest architecture, art, and technology, promoting the world’s greatest achievements.

The equivalent of half of America’s population visited the fair, which showcased American industrial optimism and ingenuity. 

Some of the other firsts at the Fair include The Ferris Wheel, elongated coins, the hamburger, Hershey Chocolate, spray painting, and the first US Post Office produced commemorative stamp set. 

Similarly, the “Christopher Columbus” stamp was issued by US Postage at the Exposition.

Importantly, the United States Mint issued its very first commemorative coins including a half dollar and a quarter; in honor of the Chicago World’s Fair/World’s Columbian Exposition. 

This was the first World’s Fair to have a commemorative coin in its honor. Interestingly, the half dollar coin is the first time a foreigner, Christopher Columbus, was featured on a U.S. legal tender coin. Unfortunately, sales of these coins never achieved the hoped for response and the Mint destroyed – melted-- all unsold coins. 

 Thus, the ever-increasing Collector Value of these history-making coins, is certain! 

 

Treasuredstocks.com is very proud to be able to list some of the most precious and valuable currency items in the world. We have over 4,000 items to choose from with huge variety and selections.

We are Official Dealers for PCGS and PMG grading institutes.  We are also members of numerous Numismatist organizations including Professional Currency Dealers Association (PCDA) and American Numismatic Association (ANA). 

Treasuredstocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor.

I found this note ... what's it worth?

What’s it worth? 

Many folks will call or write asking the question, "What's it worth?"  They have inherited, been given, or found a note or coin and want desperately to know its value. So they contact us here at Treasuredstocks.com
When trying to discover the value of an ungraded note or coin, the following information may help
When we have an ungraded coin or paper note, we carefully research answers to the following questions, prior to placing a value on it. This research can take a great deal of time and effort.

- How many were made/printed and how many currently exist

- Auction results. We have over 30 years of auction and reference data

- How many people want them (supply and demand is important). For example, a note can be very sought after for its beauty and distinctive features.

-  The exact condition of the note or coin. Condition is everything! See below regarding grading.

-  If it’s a coin, the bullion value, sometimes referred to as the melt value

-   Is it (or could it potentially be) a counterfeit

Collectors world-wide rely on and trust an officially graded note. 

Here is an example of one.

We here at Treasuredstocks.com collect decades of data such as year of issue, location of issue, serial number, signatures, front and back pictures, colors, seals, and others. However, we are not able to identify or value ungraded coins or currency by telephone or email. 


Importantly, age, as a single statement of value, may hold little or no relevance. Same is true with the face value of the item (a one dollar note may be worth far more than a 100 dollar item). 

Please contact us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com or  870-670-4255  if you are interested in learning more about your note or coin. 

First, however, take a careful look at our site. With few exceptions, our notes and coins are graded. Grading fees, which can be extensive, have been added into the cost of the item. Grading by an official grading service such as PCGS or PMG is important because the item’s condition has been identified officially. 

For a look at some rare and collectible currency, visit us at

http://www.treasuredstocks.com/currency/  

We are official members of multiple numismatic-related organizations. Thus, Treasuredstocks.com welcomes any and all questions regarding our coin and currency postings and our passion for collecting coins and currency of all types. 

 
We are here to assist you! Please give us a call at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com