ARE THESE REAL?

YES!  We only sell authentic stocks and bonds that have been used in actual commerce or from company archives.  Old stock certificates from our catalog have been cancelled and no longer have investment value but are still the real deal.  We do not sell copies or reproductions.

We also sell real, live shares on certificates in your name.  Certificates for these current companies are available in our store for Live Shares.  The certificates sold in out live shares store still have investment value as you are a real shareholder for the company of your choice.

 

WHERE'S THE VALUE IN THESE?

Since old stock certificates no longer have investment value, aren't they worthless?  Basically, they are only worth the paper that they are printed on.  The same can be said for baseball cards and stamps but it is really the collectible value that makes these worthless securities valuable.  

Old certificate values vary on rarity, beauty, recent interest, historical importance, autographs, breadth of collectible theme, number of interested collectors, etc.  Essentially, like all collectibles, value is based on supply and demand.  Interesting pieces have a lot of demand; supply may vary.

For pieces in our live shares store, certificates represent real shareholder value.  However, these should be appreciated more than just one share of stock interest in the company that you select.  These are sold through a registered securities representative since we do not have this authority on this site.

How do you know that you are getting a good deal?  Start by knowing (1) your interests and (2) the market.  Collect what you like.  Set your own budgets for single pieces and your collection.  Check where pieces are sold and get to know who are reputable dealers.  

We provide free estimates on collectible value of your certificates.  We have a large collection of references and databases that provide past realized prices.  Also, our vast knowledge of the hobby can provide you the latest pricing on any US certificate.  We cannot provide the investment value of any security.   Contact us!

OUR PRICING

Our pricing is based on a numbers of references - past auction sales, other dealers, similar pieces, our own cost basis, and sometimes only best guess.  We do have to make a profit so please understand this premise if you think we are overpriced or unfair in our charges.  Our shipping is based on our actual costs.

You will find that we are comparable to other dealers, sometimes cheaper.  However, if you are not pleased with any purchase, we offer a 100% refund, no questions.

Reference Guides for collecting and pricing (see more in Scripophily Reference Books )

REASONS TO COLLECT (just a few)!

Newsworthy Companies
The collectible art of news is always a great theme - the BP oil spill, the financial mess at AIG, Bernie Madoff.  Stocks and companies are always in the news and make collecting stock certificates from these companies entertaining and fun. 

Financial Art
The artistic value of detailed vignettes and fine lines of the engraver's skill are worth admiration in themselves.  Modern pieces are also rich with color.  Stocks are perfect for framing.

Historical Interest
Some companies are well-known highlights in the building of American financial history.  Railroads, automobiles, mining, and other industries have formed the hotbed of capitalism in the US.  More recently, corporate greed has become more infamous than notable.  Enron, WorldCom, and United Air Lines are now low-lights to US financial history.

Educational Items
What a great way to show your kids how companies are funded, bought, and thrive.  A neat show and tell item.  Great for school projects.  Teachers can use them for accounting, economics, finance, business, and history classes. Interesting classroom incentives too!

Family Connections
Very often, a relative worked for an old company that, now, only exists in the world of collectibles and ephemera.  Did your father or grandfather work for one of the old railroads? General Motors perhaps?  Companies come and go - only their stocks remain.

Conversation Pieces
You can be a millionaire (on paper). You can look like a tycoon with stocks and bonds hanging on your home or office wall.  These certificates look fantastic when framed!

Autographs
Many pieces are signed (some by hand, others in print) by famous financiers and infamous corporate giants.  Edison, Rockefeller, the Vanderbilts, the DuPonts, Wells and Fargo, Ken Lay, Bernard Ebbers, John Rigas, Bernie Madoff, and others can be found on certificates in this hobby.

Cross-collecting themes
Most stock collectors are not originally certificate hounds.  This is the reason that we have organized our catalog into areas such as Railroads, Aviation, Automotive, Sports, and more.

|  Home  | Old Stocks  |  Live Shares  |  Investment Books  |  Scripophily Reference Books  |  Stock Art Posters  |
|  Stock Certificate Research  |  Investor Advice  |  Securities Fraud Information  |
|  Stock Collecting Links  |  About the Hobby of Scripophily  |  About OldStocks.com  |  Contact  |