This is an extraordinary, large lot of ninety-two (92) unissued and never-circulated stock certificates from the historical Little Miami Railroad Company, a foundational piece of mid-19th century American railroading centered in Cincinnati, Ohio. These are true archival specimens likely sourced from a printer's specimen book or warehouse stock, as they are unnumbered and have never been completed or cancelled. They offer a unique, crisp, untouched window into the financial and operational history of a major American railroad.
Key Features:
Quantity: Lot of 92 identical certificates.
Condition: Pristine, never-circulated, unissued, and uncancelled. I am not a professional and these come from my father’s collection of antique stocks and bonds. GIven their age, they show age related toning, edge wear and some stains but overall no tears or holes. Please ask questions and see pictures.
Printer: Engraved by the prestigious American Bank Note Co. (New York & Cincinnati), known for the high quality and artistry of its security printing.
Vignettes: Features two beautiful 19th-century steel-plate engravings:
A detailed vignette of an early steam locomotive pulling into a station.
A small, charming vignette at the bottom center of a farmer tilling a field with two horses (symbolizing the agriculture and expansion fueled by the railroad).
Text & Foil: Printed with a statement of the total "Capitol Stock $3,600,000" and features an intact gold foil seal on the left side, which appears to be mis-registered or applied over partially unprinted text, common in early bank note printing.
Era: Consistent with mid-to-late 1800s production.
This unique lot is perfect for stock and bond collectors; those specifically interested in the history of Ohio Railroads or the Cincinnati/Midwest transportation history; collectors interested in
ephemera/Bank Note Collectors who appreciate the quality and artistry of the American Bank Note Co. printing and the specific 19th-century engraving style of the vignettes. Finally, anyone interested in framing or use in historical art/design projects.