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WELLS FARGO & COMPANY SEMICENTENNIAL
1902
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Medal was struck privately for presentation "on or
about" March 18, 1902 "to each employee…in Company's service for…one year"
or more. Research fails to establish identities of designer or striking
firm.
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.
 
Photos courtesy of Stack's Rare Coins, New York, NY
Obv. Upper, stage coach scene; on ribbon, across
Wells Fargo & Company; below Pony Express scene.
Rev. 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.
HK-296 Silver. 40mm.
In original presentation case *
* Original presentation case is dark maroon leatherette
jeweler's box, approx. 2 1/2 in. sq., blue velvet and satin lined. Inside lid
Wells Fargo & Company / March 18th, 1852. / March 18th,
1902.
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