While you may think collecting stock certificates is an obscure hobby, you may be surprised by what we dug up. In our online world, issuing paper stock certificates seems so passe. However, that was the only way to purchase stock shares and verify ownership for generations. While most corporations no longer issue paper certificates of ownership, those that remain can sometimes be quite valuable in their own right.
Depending upon the company, rarity, condition, who owned the certificate, as well as other factors, some stock certificates can be worth quite a nice sum. Others may be collected for their decorative value, or personal connections such as a hometown corporation, or one where a family member worked.
Famous companies such as Disney, Apple, Standard Oil, Microsoft, and Ford Motors all issued stock certificates. Old paper certificates which denote events such as IPOs or changes in leadership can add to their value. Signatures of company CEOs such as John D. Rockefeller, Steve Jobs, or Walt Disney can also increase both rarity and value.
Most stock certificates of course are not in this high-dollar league but are collected for other reasons. Often these highly decorated sheets of paper are prized for the artwork alone. Many are collected as fond reminders of the past. Historical significance also plays a role in the collectibility and value of stock certificates. Believe it or not, some companies still issue paper certificates even now. Although they are mostly framed to be hung on a wall for the express pleasure of the owner.
The study and collecting of stock and bond certificates are known as Scripophily. As a hobby, there are many reasons to collect certificates. Company scandals, historical events, and famous signatures are just a few of the factors that determine value. While anything under the umbrella of ephemera or paper collectibles was originally created as lasting for a short term, collectors have gone to great lengths to prove otherwise. Our history has been passed down by the written word for as long as humans have communicated with one another. Stock certificates are one more chapter in our history.
For more information on researching and collecting stock certificates check out Pratt Library
2 comments
I once held a stock certificate for the Atkinson Topeka and the Santa Fe Railroad. It was beautifully designed and engraved it so reminded me of paper money. I love how these may connect to the histories of people, places and companies.
That sounds fabulous Mary Ellen! Some of the very old certificates are incredibly detailed and stunning to see. So glad you had that opportunity.