Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED HALF DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Choice Brilliant Gem
*Beautiful brilliant blast white blazer. Uncertain how the grade of at least 68 was not obtained. However, there are some very, “very” small abrasions in the open fields on the reverse which I suppose justify 67. — In either case, the design of this issue is highly appealing and well-struck. - A beautiful addition to the collection.
SO-CALLED HALF DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
“Struck in recognition of the Pony Express centennial. Additionally, the reverse depicts the start and end relay stations (Sacramento, CA and St. Joseph, Missouri, respectively), as well as the distance (1,966 miles) and the fastest time recorded for delivery (10 days). where ponies were changed for riders on the mail route. — This issue was designed by Robert McNamara and subsequently privately struck. The original issue price was $3.25.
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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: Robert McNamara
RARITY: 6,000 (Maximum Mintage)
Heraldic Art Medal Guide Defines the Medal as “Common”
(NGC Pop = 44; 50 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 108) [04/2023]
SO-CALLED HALF DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Designed by Robert McNamara, .925 Sterling Silver, 262 Grains [16.98 Grams = 0.6 Troy Oz.], 30.5mm, Round, Reeded Edge)
OBVERSE: Pony Express Centennial / (Rider on Running Pony in Center) / 1960
REVERSE: Sacramento - St. Joseph • 1966 mi. • 10 days / Pony Express / Nov 21 / (Depiction of a Saddle in Center)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Heraldic Art Medals):
“These medals were struck from 1959 through 1978 to fill the void left when the US Mint ended the commemorative half dollar program in 1954. They were produced and mostly designed by Robert McNamara.The series consisted of 60 medals, issued sequentially at a rate of 3 per year for 20 years. To collectors, most of the medals are referred to by their medal number (I through LX -- 1 through 60). Most of the medals commemorate important events and persons in the history of the USA. You can find a lot of good information and scans of the original issued literature.
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In addition to the 60 regular issue medals, McNamara also released 7 special occasion medals. All of the medals were issued in "maximum mintages" of around 6,000 pieces. However, a fair amount of evidence exists to suggest that (particularly for later issues) many of the medals were struck in smaller than that mintage. Coupled with the fact that many, many of these medals are suspected to have been melted down during the 1980s silver boom as "junk silver", no one really knows how many of these medals still exist.” — Credited Source: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/heraldic-art-medals.205210/