A prestige piece: Gold Bond of 1,000 dollars at 7 per cent gold interest, free of US taxes, issued by the Kentucky and Great Eastern Railway Company, organized in June 1872 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The company aimed to link the Kentucky Appalachians to the Atlantic network for the transport of coal and timber, but suffered from the financial crisis of 1873 — which makes its certificates particularly sought after, many having been issued without much circulation. Number 91. Magnificent black and green engraving on white paper: two side ovals respectively depicting a smoking STEAM LOCOMOTIVE and a meditative seated farmer (allegory of rural progress), a border of neo-classical flourishes, emblematic "1000" vignettes. The calligraphic text promises its bearer One Thousand Dollars in gold on the coupon. Serial number mentioned in the margins. Printed by a major American company (probably American Bank Note Company). An iconic document of the golden age of American Gold Bonds after the Civil War, sought after by international collectors of US railroad scripophily. Well preserved, notable freshness of the inks.