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Northern Pacific Railroad Company Stock Certificate – Issued and Signed by Jay Cooke from 1876

Northern Pacific Railroad Company Stock Certificate – Issued and Signed by Jay Cooke from 1876

Regular price $399.99
Regular price Sale price $399.99
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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 Northern Pacific Railroad Company stock certificate, dated December 1, 1876, and issued to Jay Cooke and signed by him on the back. It features a blue border, an engraved vignette of a steam locomotive at the top, and a portrait of Frederick Billings at the bottom. You will receive the exact certificate show. Cancellation holes present. 

Jay Cooke was the most famous financier of his era, known as the “financier of the Civil War” for selling the Union bonds that funded victory. Afterward, he staked his fortune on the Northern Pacific Railroad, a bold plan to connect the Great Lakes to the Pacific Ocean. The railroad promised to unlock vast new markets and settle the northern frontier. But the project’s immense costs, combined with speculative overreach, led to the collapse of Cooke’s firm in the Panic of 1873, sparking one of America’s first major depressions.

Although Cooke’s personal empire fell, the Northern Pacific would eventually rise to become one of the great transcontinental railroads.

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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