Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Official Medal: Silver Variety — Brilliant Gem+
*Gorgeous, frosty white gem in high mint-state. Untoned surfaces are deeply lustrous; Devices are sharp/well defined. — Graded MS-67, just 5 examples grade higher on NGC’s population report, all MS-68. None have been graded finer.*
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
Cataloged as HK-582 — 1960 “Pony Express Centennial: Official Medal” Silver SC$1. “The Official Medals were authorized by Congress as ‘national medals’; designed by J. A. Links; struck at Philadelphia Mint. The reverse portrays the famous Hansen Pony Express horse and rider, first painted by Herman Hansen in water color in 1900. Issue consisted of 500,000 Bronze (authorized; perhaps 50,000 to 100,000 struck) and 5,000 Silver which sold for $1.75 and $6, respectively.” — Credited Source: Hibler and Kappen
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Initially, I was hesitant to look for and add the “official” 1960 Pony Express Centennial Medals to this collection (HK-582 & HK-583), as well as the 1961 Termination Centennials (HK-588 & HK-589), both Pony Express So-Called Half Dollars including any potential varieties (C. Smith and R. McNamara), the 1960 2 1/4 inch "Founders" medals struck in both bronze and silver (SWO-31-Ic & SWO-31-II) and the 1961 2 1/4 inch silver Termination medal (SWO-31-I) since they did not have anything Colorado-related in their design. However, the history behind them certainly does. Upon further research and thought, the “Pony Express” Pacific route initially ran through 8 states, Colorado included. Furthermore, the National Pony Express Centennial Association Board of Governors that established this historic event included 8 state governors, Colorado being included, as well. The Pony Express Centennial held associated celebrations in each of these states as noted by the subsequent Colorado-specific so-called dollars that were issued (HK-584 & HK-585). With the riders following the original route through part of Colorado, both in the 1860s and on the 1960 full scale re-run 100 years later, I have concluded all Pony Express issues are not just relevant to Colorado, but necessary for this collection! Therefore, I have attempted to acquire the complete collection.
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Along the long and arduous route used by the Pony Express, 190 stations were used, 2 of which were in Colorado. The stations and station keepers were essential to the successful, timely, and smooth operation of the Pony Express mail system. The stations in Colorado were as follows:
“Division Two: Stations between Fort Kearney and Horseshoe Creek”
Colorado:
42. Frontz's/South Platte Station
43. Julesburg Station
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As of August 2022, I have acquired both 1947 and 1960 Pony Express So-Called Half-Dollars (C. Smith and R. McNamara issues; including both the white metal and gilt varieties of the C. Smith issue) (100%). Additionally, I have obtained all six 1960-1961 Pony Express So-Called Dollars (100%). The SC50C and SC$1 collection goals have been completed. Lastly, I have obtained 2 of the 3 associated Pony Express Mint Medals (both silver varieties; ~66%). However, the bronze “Founders” issue presented to the “re-run” riders is much scarcer than its silver counterpart. I am still pursuing this example. — The details of the complete sub-set are listed below:
- SC50C (1947 C. Smith Pony Express Diamond Jubilee; White Metal): NGC MS-67 DPL
- SC50C (1947 C. Smith Pony Express Diamond Jubilee; Gilt): Pending NGC Grading
- SC50C (1960 R. McNamara Pony Express Centennial Heraldic Art Medal): NGC MS-67
- HK-582 (1960 Pony Express Centennial - Official Medal: Silver): NGC MS-67 (R2)
- HK-583 (1960 Pony Express Centennial- Official Medal: Bronze): NGC MS-67 RD (R1)
- HK-584 (1960 “Mumey Dollar”): NGC MS-64 (R5)
- HK-585 (1960 East “Tincup Dollar” - Type I): NGC MS-66 (R3)
- HK-588 (1961 Pony Express Termination Centennial: Silver): NGC MS-68 (R3)
- HK-589 (1961 Pony Express Termination Centennial: Bronze): NGC MS-66 RB (R1)
- SWO-31-Ic (1960 National Pony Express Centennial - “Founders” Medal: Silver): NGC MS-64
- SWO-31-II (1960 National Pony Express Centennial - “Founders” Medal: Bronze): N/A
- SWO-31-I (1961 National Pony Express “Termination” Medal: Silver) NGC MS-67
DESIGNER: Julian A. Links of San Francisco for the National Pony Express Centennial Association
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
HK-582
Turner 3 (Silver)
RARITY: 5,000 (Total Struck)
(NGC Pop = 47; 5 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 191): [06/2022]
Rarity Level 2 = ~2,001-5,000 Known
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Philadelphia Struck, Silver, 33mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Three conjoined male heads part r., below • Founders • all within center circle; outside, above around * Russell-Majors-Waddell *; below United States Commemorative Medal
REVERSE: In center circle is Pony Express rider at gallop to l.; outside above, around National Pony Express Centennial Association; below 1860 • 1960
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“Purpose: To commemorate 100th anniversary of famed Pony Express operating between St. Joseph, MO, and Sacramento, CA, from April 3, 1860, to Oct. 24, 1861.
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Organization: National Pony Express Centennial Association chartered 1957 in Utah as non-profit corporation; "only purpose" was to sponsor 1960 re-run and "to perpetuate history of the Pony Express." Board of Governors consisted of Governors of California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, eight states through which Express ran. Financed principally by sale of 1,000 letters carried by re-run riders, Official First Day Covers and U.S. Mint Medals.
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Site, Dates: Full scale re-run in each direction from St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California July 19 to 28, 1960.
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Comment: Operated as private venture, without subsidy, by W. H. Russell, Alex Majors and W. B. Waddell, Pony Express carried tissue paper mail at speeds previously unknown between Missouri River and California in effort to prove feasibility of central route to Pacific and to secure United States mail contracts. It played vital part in holding California to Union at time of Civil War. Performance was remarkable. Uninhabited, Indian-infested country comprised most of 1966-mile route of 190 stations yet 80 riders and 400 horses made 308 trips in 19 months with loss of only one mail and one rider killed. Completion of transcontinental telegraph brought end of service.
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Centennial celebration featured 10-day Pony Express re-run requiring 960 riders and 960 horses, 480 in each direction. Concurrently, U.S. Air Force made Commemorative Flight, round trip, in 6 hours. All along route local festivities included parades, pageants, rodeos, costume balls, selection of Pony Express Queen in Salt Lake City and dedication of monuments and plaques (with more to follow) preserving location of old trail. Split-second timing found last pony arriving at each end within minutes of 9 P. M., July 28 as scheduled. Riders were presented with Bible, as they were 100 years ago, and Bronze medal struck at Philadelphia Mint.
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NOTE: Mint also struck 2 1/4 in. "Founders" medal, similar in design but major differences in wording; 100 Bronze, not sold but presented to re-run riders; 3,000 Silver, boxed and sold for $40.“ — Credited Source: Hibler and Kappen