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Island Creek Coal Company Stock Certificate from 1931

Island Creek Coal Company Stock Certificate from 1931

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Regular price $34.99
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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 Island Creek Coal Company, dated 1930s, representing shares of common stock. Printed in red or green, the certificate features a vignette of a coal mine entrance with railway tracks leading into a hillside tunnel, surrounded by mining equipment and structures. The design includes an elaborate decorative border with scrollwork and geometric patterns.

You will receive a certificate from this same issue. Each piece shares the design and era, with natural variations in serial numbers and aging that make every example unique. This certificate shows cancellation markings with multiple punch holes through the center and right side, indicating it was properly redeemed or retired. As with all antique documents, time has given this certificate character with some discoloration and fold lines that speak to its authentic Depression-era provenance.

In 1931, Appalachian coal was the lifeblood of American industry, and Island Creek Coal Company stood among the region's most significant operators. Founded in the coal-rich valleys of Logan County, West Virginia, Island Creek controlled vast reserves along the Guyandotte River watershed, shipping millions of tons annually via the Norfolk & Western Railway. The company was closely tied to the Cleveland industrialist Cyrus Eaton, who built a coal and steel empire that stretched from West Virginia mines to Great Lakes shipping. Island Creek's high-quality bituminous coal powered steel mills across the Midwest, making it a crucial supplier during America's industrial expansion. The company later became part of Occidental Petroleum in the 1960s, marking the end of an era when independent coal barons controlled the mountains of Appalachia.

Coal mining certificates from the Depression era represent a pivotal moment in American industrial history, when mechanization began transforming an industry built on manual labor. This piece captures the final decades of the independent coal company era before corporate consolidation reshaped the industry. Offered as a collectible.

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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