American Express Company Stock Certificate from 1865 Signed by Fargo & John Butterfield
American Express Company Stock Certificate from 1865 Signed by Fargo & John Butterfield
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Are the certificates authentic?
Are the certificates authentic?
Yes, all of the certificates we sell are authentic stock and bond certificates unless otherwise mentioned in the description. At one point in time, this certificate represented a share of of the company, or a bond receipt. These certificates have been removed from circulation and digitalized, as seen by cancellation holes, stamps and writing on the certificate. We offer these certificates as a collectable item, not a security.
This is an original stock certificate from the American Express Company, dated April 4th, 1865. It was signed by William G. Fargo served as the first Secretary, the co-founder of American Express and Wells Fargo, John Butterfield the co-founder of American Express and founder of the Butterfield Overland Mail, and Alexander Holland who was an early and important officer of American Express who helped manage its financial and administrative growth.
Features a vignette with dog in circular frame at top guarding a safe and rail station and ship yard. The certificate represents 500 shares with a par value of $100 and is issued to Joseph R. Dudley.
Shows age-appropriate wear and toning typical of 19th century stock certificates, adding authentic character to this Civil War-era document. The certificate bears cancellation markings, indicating this certificate was redeemed.
In 1865, American Express was transforming from a regional freight company into a financial powerhouse under the leadership of John Butterfield Jr., son of the legendary stagecoach king who had built the Overland Mail route to California. The elder Butterfield's transportation empire laid the foundation for what would become one of America's most enduring financial institutions. Founded in 1850 through the merger of express companies owned by Henry Wells and William Fargo, American Express initially focused on moving goods and money across the expanding frontier. By the Civil War era, the company was pioneering the money order system and establishing the trust that would make it synonymous with secure financial services. The firm survived the economic upheavals of Reconstruction and would eventually evolve into the global payments giant known today, though it sold its express operations to focus entirely on financial services by the 20th century.
Certificates from American Express's earliest decades capture the company at its most entrepreneurial moment, when the express business was building the infrastructure that modern commerce depends upon. Civil War-era financial documents represent a particularly dynamic period in American capitalism, as companies navigated wartime disruption while positioning for post-war expansion. Offered as a collectible.
Materials and care
Materials and care
Here are some quick tips to preserve your certificate for decades to come.
Paper quality: Stock certificates were printed on a variety of certificate paper dating back to the mid 1800s. Most of these vintage collectable certificates have signs of used & wear , cancellation holes, pencil / pen writing, stamps, staples, adhesives, slight rips, missing coupons and other features.
Handling: Always handle the certificate with clean, dry hands or use cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin onto the paper.
Storage: Store the certificate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Use acid-free folders or archival-quality plastic sleeves to protect it from moisture, dust, and physical damage.
Framing: If displaying the certificate, use a frame with UV-protective glass to prevent light damage. Ensure the certificate is mounted using acid-free materials to avoid any chemical reactions that could degrade the paper over time.
Avoid Exposure: Keep the certificate away from direct sun, extreme temperatures and humidity, which can cause the paper to warp or deteriorate. Avoid exposing it to pollutants, such as smoke or chemicals, which can cause discoloration.
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