Welcome to the world of scripophily- where old stocks and bonds aren’t just financial papers, but pieces of history and art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a history buff, or just wondering why that framed certificate from 1890 doesn’t make you a railroad tycoon, this FAQ has you covered.
From specimen certificates, to valuations, to preservation tips, we’ll answer your questions. Every stock has a story, and we’re here to tell it.
Don’t forget to check out the Ticker History Shop for an extensive collection of vintage stock certificates, with everything from railroads to banks to luxury jewelers.
What is a stock certificate?
A stock certificate is an old-school receipt that proves you own a piece of a company. Back in the day, these were printed on nice paper with official seals and company logos and were signed by the executives. It’s basically your ticket to say, "Hey, I own part of this business!".
What is scripophily?
Scripophily is the art and hobby of collecting old stock and bond certificates. It's a mix of history, finance, fine printing, and antiquing, where collectors search for engraved stock certificates, specific company names, and even autographs of famous business moguls.
What happened to paper stock certificates? Are stock certificates still used today?
Stock certificates are like vintage vinyl records—cool, but mostly replaced by digital versions. While a few companies still issue paper certificates for nostalgia or collectors, most stock ownership is now tracked electronically. It’s faster, safer, and you don’t have to worry about losing a tiny piece of paper worth a fortune.
What makes a stock certificate collectible?
A stock certificate becomes collectible when it’s rare, beautifully designed, or tied to a famous company or historical event. Think of it like vintage baseball cards or comic books but for businesses. Even if the company no longer exists, the certificate itself can be a piece of art or a cool slice of financial history, and some are worth more as collectibles than the stock ever was.
What makes a stock certificate valuable? Why are some worth more than others?
A number of factors come into play; rarity, historical significance, artistic design, or the company they represent. A certificate from a legendary company like Apple or Ford is like owning a piece of history, while a beautifully designed one like Atari or Polaroid is like financial artwork. If it contains a famous executive’s signature, like Walt Disney or John D. Rockefeller, that adds to the value.
Standard Oil Stock Certificate Signed by John D Rockefeller & Henry Flagler
How do I read a stock certificate?
Glad you asked. Here’s a diagram that outlines the key components of a stock certificate.
Chase Manhattan Bank Stock Certificate from 1960s
On May 15th, 1969, Ada Foster of Cohoes, NY bought 49 shares of Chase Manhattan Bank with a face value of $12.50 each. At some point, Ms. Foster sold her shares, and the certificate was punched.
What’s the difference between a stock certificate and a bond certificate?
A stock certificate represents ownership in a company, giving the holder a share of its profits (through dividends) and voting rights in corporate decisions. Its value fluctuates based on the company's performance- how well the stock does.
A bond certificate is a loan made by the investor to a company or government. It guarantees fixed interest payments over time and returns the principal amount at maturity.
TLDR; stocks = ownership with potential profits, bonds = loan with fixed interest.
New York Central Railroad Company Stock Certificate
New York Central Railroad Company Bond (featuring Grand Central Terminal)
How do I read a bond certificate?
Another great question. Here’s all the important parts.
American Airlines Bond Certificate from 1960s
What are the most popular types of stock certificates?
Depends on the collector- some like stock certificates from certain eras, locations, industries, or themes. Railroads and mining are popular categories with many of the certificates coming from the turn of the 20th century, but cars, finance, and early technology draw interest as well.
Find what you like and dig in.
Ticker History Shop Collections- Railroads
Ticker History Shop Collections- New York
Ticker History Shop Collection- French Stocks and Bonds
Does the condition of the stock certificate matter?
Condition matters, but the real value depends on demand. A pristine, crisp certificate with sharp corners and no stains (Mint Condition) is more desirable than one that looks like it survived a coffee spill in 1920 (Poor Condition).
Collectors look at factors like paper quality, ink clarity, signatures, and whether it’s canceled or still active. But unlike stocks themselves, a beat-up certificate won’t lose you money.
What is stock certificate grading?
Just like with comic books or sports cards, grading is when a stock certificate is brought to an expert who assesses its condition formally. It is preserved, either in a soft mylar sleeve or a hard lucite shell, with the grading company name on the top.
Where can I get my stock certificate graded?
A number of companies offer grading services for stock certificates. The industry leaders are PMG, who give each certificate a grade from 1-100, as well as PASS-CO, who grades on a scale of P (poor) - VF (very fine).
You can visit a brick-and-mortar location to have your certificate graded or mail it to them.
What is an uncirculated stock certificate? What is a specimen stock certificate?
Uncirculated stock certificates are certificates that were printed but never issued to a stockholder. They’re likely to be in great condition as they were never involved in a financial transaction. They’re the “blanks” that would be printed on and signed when someone bought stock.
Specimen certificates were created as samples for display or reference and are usually marked with "SPECIMEN" in red ink. Think of these as prototypes or museum pieces.
Walmart Stores Stock Certificate - Specimen
How do I preserve, frame, and display stock certificates?
Preserving and framing a stock certificate is like handling a rare piece of financial history. You’ll need to treat it with care, the same as an old comic book. Store it in acid-free sleeves to prevent yellowing, and keep it away from moisture and sunlight.
Measure the dimensions of your stock certificate to know exactly what size to buy. Too small, and it won’t fit, too big, it’ll move around inside the sleeve.
For framing, use UV-protective glass and an acid-free mat to keep it looking good. Visit a framing shop for an appropriate frame- your 1920’s railroad stock deserves better than a cheap plastic border.
How do I get started?
Take a look at our beginner’s guide for collecting stock certificates.
When you’re ready to roll, check out the Ticker History Shop to start your collection!
