American Express Company Stock Certificate from 1875 — Signed by William G Fargo
American Express Company Stock Certificate from 1875 — Signed by William G Fargo
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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 American Express Company, dated 1875, issued, printed in black serial number 11915 for 10 shares. Bears the handwritten signature of co-founder, William G. Fargo as President! Alex Holland as Treasurer, and J. N. Knapp as Secretary. Features a vignette of a dog and includes ornate corner circular rosette patterns.
Shows expected age with some yellowing and minor wear consistent with vintage certificates from this era. The certificate is cancelled as seen by punch hole, indicating it was redeemed.
In 1875, American Express stood as one of America's most trusted names in transportation and financial services. Founded in 1850 through the merger of express companies owned by Henry Wells and William Fargo (who would later establish Wells Fargo), along with John Butterfield, the company revolutionized how Americans moved money and goods across vast distances. William G. Fargo served as the company's president and was instrumental in building the express delivery network that connected East Coast financial centers with Western frontier communities. Under his leadership, American Express expanded beyond package delivery into money orders, traveler's checks, and eventually the charge card business that made the company a household name. The company's reliability during the Civil War and Reconstruction era made it indispensable to merchants, banks, and individuals who needed secure transportation of valuables.
Certificates from companies of the 1870s represent a unique chapter in American commerce, when trust and speed meant everything. These financial instruments doubled as works of art, with engraving houses creating designs that projected reliability and permanence to investors. William Fargo's signature transforms this from a collectible certificate into a genuine autograph of one of the titans who built America's financial infrastructure. 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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