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Auction: 329 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 839

Kansas Territory. Leavenworth City. Office of Russell, Majors & Waddell. $50. 185_. In the left end panel a man with a whip exhorts a long line of oxen pulling a covered wagon. The corresponding bankers, noted at the bottom are Smoot, Russell and Company. Printed by Francis & Loutrel 45 Maiden Lane, New York. Almost Uncirculated, and perhaps a Proof. Some minor mounting remnants are barely visible on the back. Russell, Majors, and Waddell organized the Central Overland California & Pikes Peak Express (known as the Pony Express) in order to demonstrate that mail could be carried year round using the Central Route to California. Once they proved the feasibility of this route they were sure that government subsidies would be forthcoming. The Pony Express proved to be an efficient mail service, but it did not turn a profit. The company grossed $90,141, but that hardly even covered the cost of the horses. While this note had been rumored to exist, no other examples are known to the numismatic community. Neither John Ford nor Eric Newman ever managed to acquire one. This may be your only chance to add this wonderful piece of Western history to your collection, so bid accordingly.

Sold for
$7,000