Virginia Commonwealth Bankshares specimen stock certificate c1972 (Virginia)

Rare VA bank specimen cert. Nice vignette of a classical female figure seated between a globe and a map highlighting the state of Virginia. Specimen certificate (printers sample)/  Unissued and cancelled. Circa 1972. Measures approximately 12 by 8 inches. 

Virginia Commonwealth Bankshares was a major Virginia bank holding company, evolving from Virginia Commonwealth Corporation, that grew through acquisitions and eventually became part of larger banking entities, ultimately being absorbed into Signet Banking Corporation (later First Union, now part of Wells Fargo) and marking a significant chapter in Virginia's banking history before its eventual disappearance as an independent name.

Origins:
Formed as Virginia Commonwealth Corporation in 1962, a holding company for several Virginia banks like the Bank of Virginia.

Name Change:
In 1966, it became Virginia Commonwealth Bankshares, Inc.

Transformation:
In 1972, it rebranded to Bank of Virginia Company.

Acquisitions:
It was acquired and became Signet Banking Corporation in 1986, which was then bought by First Union Corporation in 1997, effectively ending the original name. Now part of Wells Fargo.

Product descriptions and images
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