PMG Registry Featured Set: Military Payment Certificates

This month, we leave Ukraine and fly home to honor our US veterans, those living and those passed, for Memorial Day. The PMG Registry presents a unique set of notes that played an important economic role during war time: an MPC Complete Denomination Set (Incl. Series 691&701), by PostalDad, found here.

The history behind these notes is quite fascinating. Unlike the Allied Military Currency of World War II, which was printed in the monetary unit of the targeted country, MPCs were printed in US dollar units, from 5 Cents to 10 Dollars, and later in 20 Dollars, as well. Produced by the BEP between 1946 and 1973 for the US Department of Defense, these notes were an official medium of exchange for any transaction on overseas military bases. Like Hawaii and North Africa Emergency Notes, MPCs were a necessity during military operations abroad.

Also, did you know these were the first US notes to have ultraviolent ink as a security feature? This was introduced due to heavy counterfeiting. As new MPC series were introduced, there were changes in the design, colors, figures and scenes, in an attempt to make counterfeiting more difficult. PostalDad offers a comprehensive and colorful view of the evolution of these notes in his gallery. He has taken the time to upload 98 images of his impressive collection. Be sure to check out his slideshow here.

Some of you already know the significance of MPC series numbers. The first two digits represent what year the series was printed. The third digit represents either the first (1) or second (2) printing. Here are two lovely examples of PostalDad’s first and second printings of 1947 $5 certificates:

Military Payment Certificate Series 471 $5 – First Printing (S-816-1) Graded PMG 35 Choice Very Fine Click image to enlarge

Military Payment Certificate Series 472 $5 - Issued: March 22, 1948 (S-826) Graded PMG 35 Choice Very Fine Click image to enlarge

PostalDad began assembling this colorful and comprehensive collection just this past February and has steadily climbed the ranks to third place. Boasting 98 notes and 96% set completion, PostalDad is clearly committed to this historic run of US currency. Thank you for sharing your collection of notes that are an essential piece of numismatic history and US history, PostalDad. We look forward to your future updates!

Would you like your set to be chosen for a future article? 100% completion in a set is not always feasible. Our team features sets with thoughtful comments and images for their set descriptions and notes. It may be your set! Stay tuned.

The PMG Registry is a free online platform where collectors register and display their certified notes and compete against other collectors around the world for recognition and prizes. This popular resource now boasts nearly 15,000 registered sets and over 75,000 registered notes. Each year, Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) recognizes the best sets in the PMG Registry, and winners receive a personalized plaque, an icon of recognition next to their PMG Registry set and a $500 PMG grading credit! To see the 2020 winners, click here.

Questions or comments? The PMG Registry team is here to help. To learn more about the PMG Registry, click here.