Owner Comments:
U.S. MINT MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Founders Medal: Silver Variety — Choice Uncirculated+
(Slabbed in Oversized Holder)
*Gorgeous example with incredible detail and amazing high-relief fields. This absolutely massive medal, as rare as it is, is known to spot. With that said, this particular example does indeed exhibit spotting on both the OBV/REV; which is likely why NGC downgraded it to a 64. However, I don’t feel it takes away from its eye-appeal. If anything, I think it gives it character.*
U.S. MINT MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Cataloged as SWOGER-31-Ic — A total of 3,000 struck; 2–1/4” in diameter, the Founders Medal cast in silver, features Russell, Majors, and Waddell, the men who initiated the Pony Express. — The National Pony Express Centennial Association produced the Founders Medal in 1960. This medal and the 1961 Termination Medal are the only official medals that were offered to the public commemorating the Centennial. Both are included in this collection.
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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: Roy J. Olsen of Salt Lake City, UT for the National Pony Express Centennial Association
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
SWO-31-Ic
D1960-2c
RARITY: 3,000 (Total Struck)
(NGC Pop = 2; 14 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 18): [04/2023]
Rarity Level 3 = ~501-2,000 Known
**NOTE: May be rarer than initially presumed. NGC Census shows a mere 18 examples have been graded as of April 2023.
U.S. MINT MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Philadelphia Struck, Silver, 132g [4.24 Troy oz], 57.2mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Founders Owners / Russell Majors Waddell / Operators
REVERSE: The Pony Express / United States / Commemorative Medal / (pictorial horse and rider) / Founder's Medal - 1960 National / Pony Express Centennial / Association
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“Medals: Official Medals below authorized by Congress as "national medals"; designed by J. A. Links; struck at Philadelphia Mint. Reverse portrays 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; sold for $1.75 and $6, respectively.
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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. Size precludes listing here.” — Credited Source: Hibler & Kappen