Lot
623 
(Pony Express - Virginia City) Wells Fargo & Co., Sacramento, 23 Jan, two strikes of blue double-circle datestamp tie Wells Fargo & Co., 1862-64, 25¢ Blue (143L8), large margins to clear, bright color, on 3¢ pink (U35) buff entire to R.D. Morrow, Superintendent of the Savage Mine, Virginia City, Nevada Territory; restored and slightly reduced at left, Very Fine appearance. Scott Nos. 143L8 $4,500.
A SCARCE EASTBOUND VIRGINIA CITY PONY EXPRESS USE FROM SACRAMENTO.
This was a Private Enterprise of Wells, Fargo & Co. for the rapid handling of letters between San Francisco and the mining region around Virginia City, Nevada. Adhesive stamps were affixed to Wells Fargo franked envelopes which for the extra charge indicated by the stamps, gave rapid service by pony. Letters went from San Francisco to Sacramento by Boat, then by Pony. The service started Aug. 11, 1852 with an extra Pony Charge of 10 cents. This rate was increased in 1863 to 25 cents. The color of the 25 cents was changed from blue to red in 1864 and the service was ended in early 1865.
Realized: $1,600