Trains

Tech & Telco

New York

Media & Gaming

Auto

Retail Stores

Banks & Insurance

Oil & Gas

American Classics

Food & Drink

Skip to product information
1 of 4

New York and Harlem Railroad Company Stock Certificate from 1962

New York and Harlem Railroad Company Stock Certificate from 1962

Regular price $39.99
Regular price Sale price $39.99
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Are the certificates authentic?

Yes, all of the certificates we sell are authentic stock and bond certificates unless otherwise mentioned in the description. At one point in time, this certificate represented a share of of the company, or a bond receipt. These certificates have been removed from circulation and digitalized, as seen by cancellation holes, stamps and writing on the certificate. We offer these certificates as a collectable item, not a security.  

 

This is an original stock certificate from New York and Harlem Railroad Company, dated 1940s-1960s, printed in brown. Features dual vignettes including a scene with figures and a dog in the upper center, and a detailed steam locomotive on the bottom.

The certificate shows multiple punch holes through the face, indicating it was redeemed by the company. Shows normal aging with some edge wear that adds historical character to this mid-century railroad document.

In 1962, the New York and Harlem Railroad was nearing the end of its remarkable 131-year run as one of America's pioneering rail lines. Chartered in 1831 as the first railroad to operate in New York State, it initially connected lower Manhattan to Harlem via horse-drawn cars on rails laid down Fourth Avenue. The line's fate changed dramatically when Cornelius Vanderbilt seized control in the 1860s through a series of brilliant financial maneuvers, including cornering the stock during a legislative battle over street running rights. Vanderbilt recognized that whoever controlled access to Manhattan controlled the entire regional rail network, making the New York and Harlem the cornerstone of his transportation empire. The railroad became the foundation upon which he built the mighty New York Central system, connecting New York City to Chicago and beyond. By 1962, the line operated as part of the New York Central Railroad, but corporate reorganization was already underway — just six years later, it would be absorbed into the ill-fated Penn Central merger.

Railroad certificates from the Vanderbilt era and its corporate successors remain highly sought after by collectors for their connection to America's railroad titans and transportation history. Offered as a collectible.

Materials and care

Here are some quick tips to preserve your certificate for decades to come. 

Paper quality: Stock certificates were printed on a variety of certificate paper dating back to the mid 1800s. Most of these vintage collectable certificates have signs of used & wear , cancellation holes, pencil / pen writing, stamps, staples, adhesives, slight rips, missing coupons and other features. 

Handling: Always handle the certificate with clean, dry hands or use cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin onto the paper.

Storage: Store the certificate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Use acid-free folders or archival-quality plastic sleeves to protect it from moisture, dust, and physical damage.

Framing: If displaying the certificate, use a frame with UV-protective glass to prevent light damage. Ensure the certificate is mounted using acid-free materials to avoid any chemical reactions that could degrade the paper over time.

Avoid Exposure: Keep the certificate away from direct sun, extreme temperatures and humidity, which can cause the paper to warp or deteriorate. Avoid exposing it to pollutants, such as smoke or chemicals, which can cause discoloration.

View full details
Free US Shipping

On orders over $50

Authentic & Original Guarantee

Or your money back

5/5 from 150+ Collectors

Trust us to build their collection

Trusted By Thousands of Collectors

Art with a Backstory

Every Certificate Tells A Story

Turn rare stock and bond certificates into timeless décor. Piece showcases bold colors, engravings, and historic signatures perfect for an office, library, bar, common area, museum & more.

Shop All

Orders Ship Daily

Direct From Wall Street's Archives

Orders are shipped flat with care, tracked & insured with USPS, in a strong, rigid, protected envelope. Daily fulfillment Monday - Thursday from NYC.

Discover 1,000s of Wall Street Collectables