1965 to 1970 Military Payment Certificates // Vietnam War // 5-10 Cents // Set of 3 // Choice Crisp Uncirculated Condition

Military payment certificates (MPCs) were a form of currency used to pay U.S. military personnel in foreign nations from 1946 to 1973. The U.S. military devised colorful paper notes printed in 5, 10, 25, and 50-cent denominations, as well as in 1, 5, 10, and 20-dollar denominations, each of which were smaller in physical size than ordinary U.S. banknotes. Unlike other forms of U.S. currency, MPCs were issued by the Department of War (later, Defense), rather than the Department of the Treasury, and lack the characteristic Treasury seal present on virtually every other form of U.S. paper money.

To prevent MPCs from being used as primary currency in the host country and destroying the local economy, styles were frequently changed to deter black marketers and reduce hoarding. A "conversion day" or "C-day" was the only opportunity for soldiers to trade old MPCs for new issues, after which the old notes became worthless. Fifteen series of MPCs were produced, but only 13 were issued. A total of 94 different notes were used in 22 countries across the 27-year program. After the official end of U.S. participation in the Vietnam War in early 1973, MPCs only remained in use in South Korea. A surprise C-day was held in the fall of 1973, retiring MPCs and substituting ordinary federal reserve notes. Military payment certificates were never again issued and the choice few that remain today serve as curious financial relics of an important period in U.S. military history.

Offered here is a high-grade assortment of 3 different military payment certificates issued between 1965 and 1970 for use specifically by U.S. troops in Vietnam. All notes are in choice crisp uncirculated condition, and you will receive the unique certificates shown in the photos. Each note will be housed in an archival-quality plastic sleeve and presented in a luxurious black velvet bag with certificate of authenticity.