Ten Dollars — Series 641
$10.00 · Aug 31 1965 – Oct 21 1968 · Exclusive use in Vietnam
Historical Context
The Series 641 was the first issue of MPC used exclusively in Vietnam and coincided with the arrival of the first large-scale American combat units. It circulated from August 31, 1965 to October 21, 1968, when aC-Dayunannounced, it was replaced by Series 661. It was one of the longest-running and most abundant series on the program.
Like the rest of the MPCs, these banknotes could only be used in military establishments by authorized personnel. Convertible to local currency when leaving — but not the other way around— and to US dollars only when leaving the MPC zone. This limited the black market and protected the local economy from excess dollars.
Because of the large print run and the many examples veterans brought home, Series 641 —including the $10— is relatively common in circulated grades. Uncirculated examples (Uncirculated) if they are quoted at a clear premium compared to circulated ones; In addition, counterfeits of the $10 of this series are known, which makes careful authentication recommended.
Color Scheme
Obverse:main print in brown/sepia on beige guilloché background, with two large reddish-orange rosettes framing the numeral “10” on both sides of the portrait.
Reverse:same brown-sepia palette with orange-reddish rays and the word “TEN” in red to the left and right of the head of the Statue of Liberty. Both sides have the black stripe with the MPC regulatory text.
Portrait and Obverse Images
- Center:profile bust to the right of a classical female figure, engraving by Marcus Baldwin. The vignette comes from the 1896 $2 Silver Certificate bill (Educational Series), from the allegory ofCommerce.
- Legends:“SERIES 641” on portrait; numeral “10” in the four corners; Black serial numbers on the upper right and lower left.
- Regulatory text:lower strip “MILITARY PAYMENT CERTIFICATE” and the clause of exclusive use in military establishments by authorized personnel.
Reverse Images
Head of the Statue of Liberty from the front, with seven-pointed radiating crown, engraved by Richard M. Bower. The portrait occupies an octagonal frame/shield on a background of wavy fan lines.
On the left and right, the word “TEN” in red sans-serif typeface; numeral “10” in the four corners; same regulation black stripe on the base. Oak leaves and laurel branches adorn the top corners.
Signatures and Seals
Unlike Treasury or Federal Reserve notes, MPCs do not bear the signatures of treasurer or secretary of the Treasury, nor the seal of the Department of the Treasury: they were issued under the authority of the Department of Defense.
Legacy for Collectors
Series 641 is one of the most sought after by those who collect Vietnam War paper: the first series exclusive to the theater, colorful design and frequent presence in veterans' collections. The $10 is not uncommon in circulated grades (it usually trades near face value in Fine), but Uncirculateds do command notable premiums.
Replacement bills (with a digit at the end of the serial number instead of a letter) are much rarer. It's a good idea to keep an eye out for documented $10 counterfeits in this series when purchasing high-grade examples.
Sources
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing —Military Payment Certificates 1946–1973 (new window)(opens in a new tab)
- Schwan, Fred.Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates— Schwan-887
- Art-Hanoi —MPC Series 641 (new window)(opens in a new tab)(Pick M63)
- World Banknotes & Coins Museum —Series 641 $10 (new window)(opens in a new tab)
- ANA / Fred Schwan —Military Payment Certificates (PDF) (new window)(opens in a new tab)