Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Silver Variety — Choice Brilliant Gem+
*Gorgeous, frosty white choice gem+ in near perfect condition. Imperfections are so subtle, it is challenging for even the trained eye to notice exactly where they are. This piece seems to be MS-69. Untoned surfaces are deeply lustrous; Devices are sharp/well defined; A true blazing and absolutely stunning example of this fascinating issue. — Graded MS-68, just 19 examples grade higher on NGC’s population report, all MS-69. None have been graded finer. — As mentioned, it is very possible this specimen would grade 69 upon a re-grade review. — Matches it bronze counterpart (HK-589) of the same design.*
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
Cataloged as HK-588 — 1961 “Pony Express Termination Centennial” Silver SC$1. “Medal issued by National Pony Express Centennial Association, Salt Lake City; designed by Roy J. Olsen; authorized by 86th Congress and struck at Philadelphia Mint. Medal commemorates termination of eighteen months operation of Pony Express brought about by completion of transcontinental telegraph Oct. 24, 1861. President Lincoln characterized Express as "an immortal service to the Union."
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Congressional action provided for two medals in two sizes and two metals but only smaller one qualifies for listing here. Issue limited to 3,000 Silver and 15,000 Bronze pieces; sold for $4.50 and $1.50 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: Roy J. Olsen of Salt Lake City, UT for the National Pony Express Centennial Association
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
HK-588
Turner 5 (Silver)
RARITY: 3,000 (Total Struck)
(NGC Pop = 45; 19 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 189): [08/2022]
Rarity Level 3 = ~501-2,000 Known: Designated “Scarce”
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Philadelphia Struck, Silver, 33mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: In center circle is scene of telegraph key and wire and dismounted horse (symbolizing end of Pony Express); below The Pony Express / Terminated by the Telegraph / Salt Lake City Utah / October 24, 1861; outside circle, above United States 1961 Centennial Medal; at lower border are 34 stars in two rows around.
REVERSE: In center is horse and dismounted rider, telegraph wires in background; below An Immortal Service / to the Union / signed A. Lincoln; upper border legend * The Pony Express *; lower legend St. Joseph to Sacramento.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Official Termination Medal - National Pony Express Centennial Association: 1961) | Information Issued with Medals:
“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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Three thousand silver and fifteen thousand bronze Termination Medals have been executed in a 1 3/16 inch size. Due to the smaller size, this medal is somewhat different from the large medal. One side of this attractive medal features a dismounted rider and tired horse, telegraph wire and Lincoln's famous message of praise for the service of The Pony Express quoted above. The obverse side features a different view of the telegraph wire, a dismounted horse, symbolizing the end of the Pony Express and an 1861 telegraph key. Both medals show the mighty Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in the background. These mountains are located east of Salt Lake City where the joining of the Transcontinental Telegraph took place October 24th, 1861.
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The medals were originally designed by Roy J. Olsen of Salt Lake City, Utah, for the National Pony Express Centennial Association.
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Only the above stated numbers of medals will be produced by the mint at Philadelphia. 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.
Credited Source: U.S. Mint | Informational Insert Issued with Medals