Wells Fargo & Co. Franked Cover with 3-cent U.S. Postal Stationery

United States · 1870 · 3¢

The stamp is a 3-cent U.S. Postal Stationery featuring a bust of George Washington within an oval frame. The cover also bears a green oval Wells Fargo & Co. handstamp from Austin, Nevada Territory.

This franked cover illustrates the vital role of private express companies like Wells Fargo & Co. in facilitating mail communication across the American West during the late 19th century, particularly in territories like Nevada.