The Gold Rush in the mid-1800s necessitated a fast mail service. The Pony Express was developed as an alternative way for the mail to cross the North American continent.
Using many mounted riders, on a route from St. Joseph Missouri to Sacramento California the founders of the Pony Express established a company for moving the mail that was faster and more reliable than stagecoaches.

The Pony Express only operated for a year and a half—from April 1860 to November 1861.
The end of the Pony Express is directly related to the telegraph. The completion of the telegraph system and the termination of the Express occurred within a one-month period.

1961 Pony Express Termination Centennial silver and bronze medals were issued by The National Pony Express Centennial Association, Salt Lake City and were designed by Roy J. Olsen. Authorized by 86th Congress and struck at Philadelphia Mint.
Only 3,000 silver medals minted and sold for $4.50 when released for sale in 1961. 15,000 Bronze medals of the same design were minted and sold for $1.50 each the same year.