Trains

Tech & Telco

New York

Media & Gaming

Auto

Retail Stores

Banks & Insurance

Oil & Gas

American Classics

Food & Drink

Skip to product information
1 of 3

County of Albany Bond Certificate from 1973 now Empire State Plaza

County of Albany Bond Certificate from 1973 now Empire State Plaza

Regular price $149.99
Regular price Sale price $149.99
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

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 bond from County of Albany, dated 1973, printed in rose pink. Features a vignette of an aerial view of the South Mall complex (now Empire State Plaza) showing the modern government buildings and plaza development.

Cancelled with multiple punch holes through the certificate face and signature areas, indicating it was redeemed. Shows minor edge wear and aging consistent with its years. Offered as a collectible.

In the late 1960s, Albany faced a choice: demolish 98 acres of downtown or watch the capital city crumble into irrelevance. Nelson Rockefeller chose demolition. The South Mall project displaced 7,000 residents and 1,200 businesses to create what would become the Empire State Plaza, the most expensive government building complex in American history at $2 billion. Rockefeller partnered with architect Wallace Harrison, who had designed Lincoln Center and the United Nations headquarters, to create a modernist government campus that would dwarf the U.S. Capitol. Construction began in 1965 with Albany County bonds like this one financing the massive undertaking. The project required moving the Normans Kill creek, importing marble from Italy, and constructing the tallest building between New York City and Montreal. When completed in 1978, the complex housed 11,000 state workers and featured a performing arts center known as The Egg, forever transforming Albany's skyline.

Municipal bonds from major urban renewal projects of the 1960s represent a pivotal moment in American city planning. The South Mall bonds are particularly sought after by collectors of New York State financial history and modernist architecture enthusiasts.

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
Free US Shipping

On orders over $50

Authentic & Original Guarantee

Or your money back

5/5 from 150+ Collectors

Trust us to build their collection

Trusted By Thousands of Collectors

Art with a Backstory

Every Certificate Tells A Story

Turn rare stock and bond certificates into timeless décor. Piece showcases bold colors, engravings, and historic signatures perfect for an office, library, bar, common area, museum & more.

Shop All

Orders Ship Daily

Direct From Wall Street's Archives

Orders are shipped flat with care, tracked & insured with USPS, in a strong, rigid, protected envelope. Daily fulfillment Monday - Thursday from NYC.

Discover 1,000s of Wall Street Collectables