Owner Comments:
Medal, 1902, AR, WELLS FARGO & COMPANY SEMICENTENNIAL, United States, San Francisco, CA., HK-296, Silver Medal, NGC MS66, Tied for Finest Known, Cert# 3585317-001. A Rare So-Called Dollar Issued by Wells Fargo on or about March 18, 1902, Super Rare in this Top Grade and Highly Sought After, An Emotional High Relief Specimen that seems to have a moving scene when the medal is simply held in hand. (Struck by a Private Co.) given to "each employee in the Company's service for more than one year". Research fails to establish identities of designer or striking firm. Description: Obverse: Upper stage coach scene; on ribbon, across Wells Fargo & Company; below Pony Express scene. Rv. Scene of ship, factory, train (microscopic Wells Fargo and Company Express on baggage car), quill pens and keys; clenched upright hand below emitting sparks or rays; across center, on ribbon 1852 March 18th 1902; below Express and Banking; at bottom Fidelity. Size: 40mm. These were originally issued in a dark maroon leatherette jeweler's box, approx 2 1/2 in. sq., blue velvet and satin lined. Inside lid, Wells Fargo & Company, March 18th, 1902. This example came with the original case in all its glory, though somewhat tattered over the years.
This is one of the So-Called Dollars that is seldom seen and, when located, creates spirited bidding at auction. This example displays excellent original toning and beautiful preserved surfaces, it looks mint state with plenty of attractive residual luster. The star of any So-Called Dollar Collection.
History of Company: Wells Fargo's name survives forever in our history--with emphasis, of course, on entire West--as principal agency in extending our early frontiers, in permanent settlement of that area and in assisting and protecting those who came first. This express and banking business launched by Vermont-born Henry F. Wells and New Yorker William G. Fargo at 114 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, to serve Gold Rush California and United States. By 1880, there were 573 Wells Fargo Offices, Agents and Correspondents in West (100 in California Mother Lode), company "absolutely guaranteeing" their handling and delivery of gold.
U.S. Postal Service then restricted to California coast towns so mail deliveries to remote locations quickly became important function. Their Concord Coaches, Drivers and Shotgun Messengers are legendary.
In 1895, U.S. took over entire mail service from 400 western express companies. In 1918, under World War I emergency powers, Government merged all express under American Railway Express. Only in Mexico and Cuba did Wells Fargo live on, performing its original functions and trusted by all. Banking operations, however, have continued in U.S. and today, surviving corporate entity is Wells Fargo & Co., still headquartered San Francisco, with over 3,000 banking branches in more than 20 states, in addition to significant presence in other financial areas.