Northern Pacific Railroad Company Preferred Stock Certificate – Issued to and Signed by Frederick Billings 1874
Northern Pacific Railroad Company Preferred Stock Certificate – Issued to and Signed by Frederick Billings 1874
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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 Northern Pacific Railroad Company preferred stock certificate, dated May 11, 1874, issued to and signed by Frederick Billings - twice! He was one of the most influential railroad leaders of the 19th century. Printed in green, the certificate represents 100 shares valued at $100 each and includes the vignette of a steam locomotive, ornate engraved borders, and a portrait of Billings himself. This piece is also accompanied by its attached stub. You will receive the exact item shown. Offered as a collectable.
Frederick Billings (1823–1890) was a Vermont-born lawyer, financier, and namesake of Billings, Montana. Rising to prominence as an attorney during the California Gold Rush, he later became president of the Northern Pacific Railroad during one of its most turbulent eras, guiding the company through bankruptcy and into a path of recovery. His leadership linked the railroad’s expansion to the settlement of the Dakotas, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
The Northern Pacific was one of the great transcontinental railroads, chartered by Congress in 1864 to connect the Great Lakes with Puget Sound. Stock certificates like this were sold to raise the massive sums needed to finance construction, with investors ranging from Wall Street bankers to America’s wealthiest industrialists. Printed by the American Bank Note Company
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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