This is a rare gold bond certificate from The Lehigh Valley Railway Company, issued in 1890. Comes with a sheet of 8 coupons, two extension agreements and the bond itself. It has been cancelled. 

The Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, originally chartered as the Delaware, Lehigh, Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad Company in 1846, played a significant role in the development of the transportation industry in the northeastern United States. 

The company dropped "The" from their name, to just "Lehigh Valley Railroad" on January 7, 1853.

Founded primarily to transport coal from the mines of eastern Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley Railroad quickly grew beyond its initial purpose. The railroad's original route between Easton and Allentown was constructed in 1855, and it rapidly expanded to connect major cities including Buffalo, New York, and Jersey City, New Jersey.

Under the leadership of Asa Packer, who took control in 1851, the railroad experienced significant growth, transforming the Lehigh Valley Railroad into one of the Northeast's largest carriers.

The company expanded via strategic acquisitions and construction of new lines throughout the 1860s and 1870s.

The Lehigh Valley Railroad became known as the "Route of the Black Diamond," a nickname derived from its primary cargo of anthracite coal. This high-quality coal was in high demand for heating in the Northeast's metropolitan areas, and the railroad played a crucial role in its transportation.

In addition to its freight operations, the Lehigh Valley Railroad also developed a reputation for passenger service. Its flagship train, the Black Diamond Express, began operation in 1896, running between Buffalo and Jersey City.

Despite its long history of success, the Lehigh Valley Railroad faced significant challenges in the mid-20th century. Changing transportation landscapes and economic conditions led to financial difficulties. By the early 1960s, the railroad was near bankruptcy, and in 1962, the Pennsylvania Railroad purchased a majority stake in the company. The Lehigh Valley Railroad's operations came to an end in 1976 when it was absorbed into Conrail.