Welcome to scripophily, where stock certificates and bond certificates are more than just old paper—they're snapshots of financial history, works of art, and collector’s items.
Whether you’re drawn to the intricate engravings, famous signatures, or just the idea of holding a piece of a long-gone railroad, this guide will walk you through the basics of collecting. No market crashes, no ticker tape- just the fun of discovering stocks that may be worthless on Wall Street, but priceless to collectors.
First, a quick reminder of the basics. Here’s how to read a stock certificate and bond certificate.
But what’s the difference between a stock certificate and a bond certificate?
But I still have so many questions!
Don’t worry- we’ve got them all answered. Check out our Scripophily FAQs to learn all the basics of the hobby.
I’m all in. Where do I get started?
Ask yourself, why are you, a novice scripophilist, starting a collection of stock certificates and bond certificates?
You could be interested in the history and story behind the stocks- you want a conversation piece to hang in your office.
It could be certain themes that pique your interest- railroads, mining, vintage tech companies, or New York City (or other locales).
And if you just want something random and funny, believe us, there’s plenty of that as well.
Let’s take a look at some great introductory stock certificates and bond certificates under $30 to start your collection.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Company Stock Certificate from the 1960’s
Themes: Railroads, New York City
If you’ve ever wondered why there’s a Penn Station in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other cities, here’s your answer. The Pennsylvania Railroad Company was once the largest and most powerful transportation company in the United States, with a bigger budget and more employees than the federal government. Yes- that’s the same Pennsylvania Railroad from the Monopoly square.
The rivalry between the Pennsylvania Railroad and New York Central Railroad, running out of Grand Central Station in NYC, was fierce and sometimes violent. In an ironic twist, the two were forced to merge in 1968 for the survival of both companies.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Company Stock Certificate from the 1960’s
International Mercantile Marine (Titanic) Company Stock Certificate from 1919
Themes: Ships and maritime, History
For a great conversation piece and historical antique, look no further. The International Mercantile Marine Company owned White Star Lines, the company that built the Titanic. Founded by financier J.P. Morgan, IMM created passenger lines that could compete with ships owned by rival company Cunard, like the Lusitania- another ship you may have heard of.
This certificate was printed seven years after the sinking of the Titanic as IMM struggled to recover from the disaster. It would eventually go bankrupt during the Great Depression.
International Mercantile Marine (Titanic) Company Stock Certificate from 1919
Pan American World Airways Inc Stock Certificate
Themes: Transportation, Vintage Companies
Speaking of great American companies that went bankrupt, here’s a fascinating one. Pan Am had the largest global network of flights in the 1960’s and is credited for creating the “flight attendant aesthetic” we’ve become familiar with. They were pioneers in aviation technology as the first company to debut the Boeing 707 in 1958 and the iconic 747 decades later.
After a terrorist attack on a transatlantic flight over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988, Pan Am struggled financially. They held their last flight in 1991.
Pan American World Airways Inc Stock Certificate
Chase Manhattan Bank Stock Certificate from the 1960’s
Themes: Banks and Financiers, New York City
Fans of Hamilton remember Aaron Burr as the bad guy. They may not remember him as the founder of The Manhattan Company in 1799, which would merge with Chase National Bank in 1955 to form Chase Manhattan Bank.
Chase Manhattan was one of the main financiers of the construction of the World Trade Center in 1960’s. At the time, it was run by David Rockefeller, grandson of John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil and known as the richest man in history.
Chase Manhattan Bank Stock Certificate from the 1960’s
General Motors Stock Certificate from the 1950’s-1970’s
Themes: Cars and Automobiles
The American standard for business in one beautiful certificate. After its founding in 1908 by William C. Durant, General Motors acquired Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet, building an automobile empire. GM rolled out the “Hydra-Matic”, the first mass produced fully automatic transmission, in 1940, making cars more accessible and easier to drive.
During World War II, GM held up its production line and switched to producing airplane engines, military vehicles, and tanks to support the war effort.
General Motors Stock Certificate from the 1950’s-1970’s
The Standard Oil Company Bond Certificate
Themes: Oil and Gas, Vintage Companies
Start your bond certificate collection with a piece of American history. Founded in 1880 by John D. Rockefeller, Standard Oil made him the richest man in history by controlling 90% of the world’s oil production. The near complete monopoly would be broken up in 1911 by the U.S. Supreme Court after determining that Standard Oil was in violation of antitrust laws.
Standard Oil would be broken into 34 smaller companies, some of which would go on to become Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Amoco. One of those companies would be The Standard Oil Company of Ohio, the company featured on the bond here.
Good luck finding a bond paying 8.375% today.
The Standard Oil Company Bond Certificate
Still can’t decide where to start?
There’s just so many interesting options! Start your collection off with a mix of stock certificates, bond certificates, railroads, cars, finance, and history with all six of the certificates mentioned here, a $110 value, for just $59 with free shipping included.
