Medallion - 110th Anniversary of Railway Mail Service
1974 year| Bronze (Antique) | 26.1 g | 39.30 mm |
| Location | United States |
|---|---|
| Period | Federal republic (1776-date) |
| Type | Medals › Commemorative medals |
| Year | 1974 |
| Composition | Bronze (Antique) |
| Weight | 26.1 g |
| Diameter | 39.30 mm |
| Thickness | 2.85 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-11-13 |
| Numista | N#380525 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Narrative text over the US postal service logo
Script: Latin
Lettering:
1864 -1974
On August 28, 1864, the first
"Railway Post Office" car R.P.O.
was placed in operation between Chi-
cago and Clinton, Iowa, on the Chicago
and North Western Railroad. The through
mails were sorted in transit, for advance
connections as well as local exchanges. A
few years later especially constructed for-
ty-foot R.P.O. cars were introduced.
Thus the Railway Mail service was created.
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
U.S.MAIL
Designer: W. D. Ashford
Edge
Reeded
Comment
Some of the information about James C. Curtis has not been verified.
James C. Curtis was a postmaster in Memphis, Tennessee. In the early 1970's he commissioned the production of a set of twelve medallions commemorating major events in postal history. This was done in order to promote collecting and generate revenue. Apart from the first medallion which was sterling, each of the medallions were produced in three types of metals, .999 Fine Silver, Nickel-Silver, and Bronze. The US Mint struck the medallions on behalf of the Post Office. The 1 Oz silver rounds were produced with a proof like finish in limited quantities and each one was serial numbered on the edge.
