Sale 1010 — 2011 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Saturday, 18 June, 2011
Category — Pony Express Stamps
Wells, Fargo & Co. Virginia City Pony Express, 10c Brown, 25c Blue, 25c Red (143L7-143L9). Block of fours, unused (no gum), full to huge margins incl. bottom sheet margins, brilliant colors on fresh paper, horizontal bend in 25c Blue block ending in light creaseEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL FULL SET OF BLOCKS OF THE VIRGINIA CITY PONY EXPRESS ISSUES.
The gold and silver strikes in western Utah Territory between 1859 and 1863 brought a huge influx of miners and settlers into the Carson and Washoe Valley region. At the beginning of the Civil War, the Federal government moved quickly to ensure that the population of eastern California and western Utah Territory -- along with its mineral wealth -- remained loyal to the Union. Congress created Nevada Territory on March 2, 1861, carving out a portion of Utah Territory that included Carson City (the new capital of Nevada Territory), Genoa, Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Aurora. Wells Fargo & Co. and other express companies had long served this region. The transcontinental Pony Express of 1860-61 passed through Carson City and Virginia City. Therefore, when there was demand for a fast express service between San Francisco and Washoe, it was relatively easy for Wells Fargo & Co. to organize a horse-and-rider relay along their existing routes. The "Pony Express to Washoe—Through in 24 Hours" was announced by Wells Fargo & Co. to start running on Monday, August 11, 1862. The schedule provided for a 4 p.m. departure from San Francisco and arrival in Virginia City by "the next evening." Letters sent westbound from Virginia City would leave at 6 p.m. and arrive in San Francisco the "next evening, by Sacramento Boat." From August 1862 through January 1863, the rate for the Virginia City Pony Express was 10c per half-ounce, which was paid by the Brown stamp. Sometime shortly after January 1863, the rate was increased to 25c, and a new stamp was issued in Blue. The 25c rate continued through to the end of the express service, but the stamp color was changed to Red around March 1864.
