American Classics

Tech & Telco

New York

Auto

Media & Gaming

Disney

Banks & Insurance

Oil & Gas

Food & Drink

Retail Stores

Skip to product information
1 of 2

Commonwealth Oil Refining Company Stock Certificate

Commonwealth Oil Refining Company Stock Certificate

Regular price $24.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $24.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

60+ 100% Positive Reviews! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 orange stock certificate from Commonwealth Oil Refining Company, Inc. (CORCO), issued in 1960, features a vignette of a bald eagle, symbolizing strength and freedom. The certificate includes cancellation holes, stamps, and handwritten annotations, reflecting its authenticity and previous transactions.

Commonwealth Oil Refining Company, Inc. was incorporated in 1953 in both New York and Puerto Rico. CORCO established an oil refinery in the towns of Peñuelas and Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, as part of Operation Bootstrap, an initiative to industrialize the Puerto Rican economy. The first unit of the refinery was constructed in 1954, and operations began in 1955. Officially incorporated on May 19, 1963, CORCO represented a $25 million investment and had the capacity to refine 23,500 barrels of oil daily. Hugo David Storer Tavarez played a key role in establishing CORCO in Puerto Rico.

Situated on an 800-acre site, the refinery comprised numerous storage tanks and waste treatment units typical of petroleum refineries. CORCO ceased operations in 1982 and has since functioned as a terminal for the marine transportation and land-based storage of crude oil and petroleum products. Following the shutdown, the entity Desarrollo Integral del Sur (South Integral Development) began developing a long-term plan for reusing the terrains and properties.

This certificate serves as a tangible piece of financial history, offering insights into the economic and industrial development efforts in mid-20th-century Puerto Rico. 

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.

View full details

Discover 1,000s of Wall Street Collectables