Owner Comments:
U.S. MINT MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Termination Medal: Silver Variety — Choice Brilliant Gem
(Slabbed in Oversized Holder)
*An absolutely gorgeous example of this exceedingly rare issue. Stunning brilliant, untoned surfaces enhance the high-relief devices and detail on this massive Mint Medal which was struck on more than 4 Troy ounces of silver. — Tied with just one other example, and a mere 3 grade finer, where a total of just 9 have been graded by NGC altogether. This simply shows the true rarity of this particular issue.*
U.S. MINT MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Cataloged as SWOGER-31-I — From the “Official Termination Medal - National Pony Express Centennial Association - 1961” Info Card:
“On October 24th, 1861, the completion of the Transcontinental telegraph brought an end to the eighteen month operation of the heroic Pony Express. President Lincoln stated that the Pony Express was "An Immortal Service to the Union." It is certainly appropriate that the United States Congress has authorized the United States Mint at Philadelphia to execute a United States Commemorative Medal, in two metals and two sizes; thus marking the Centennial of the Termination of the Pony Express.
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One thousand 2 1/4 inch Silver Medals have been minted. One side of this large, beautiful medal features the heads of the Founders of the Pony Express, Russell, Majors, and Waddell, and an 1861 telegraph key. A map shows the two termination points of the Pony Express, Sacramento and St. Joseph. The map also shows Salt Lake City, where the Telegraph was completed. On the obverse side, a dismounted Pony Express rider stands by his tired horse. The telegraph wire that has replaced him is shown, and an Indian listens to the strange humming sound of the white man's magic. A famous quotation expressing the advancement in communication that the telegraph brought appears at the bottom of the medal: "it dragged in its train the lightning itself."
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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 will be offered to the public commemorating the Centennial.“
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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: J.A. Links
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
SWO-31-I
D1961-2a
RARITY: 1,000 (Total Struck)
(NGC Pop = 2; 3 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 9): [04/2023]
Rarity Level 4 = ~201-500 Known
**NOTE: May be rarer than initially presumed. NGC Census shows a mere 9 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: Russell - Majors - Waddell / United States Commemorative Medal / Pony Express Terminated / By the Telegraph Oct. 24, 1861
REVERSE: National Pony Express Centennial Association / Termination / Medal / "It dragged in its / Train the Lightning / Itself.”
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