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Palmer Union Oil Company Stock Certificate from 1912 now Coca Cola

Palmer Union Oil Company Stock Certificate from 1912 now Coca Cola

Regular price $49.99
Regular price Sale price $49.99
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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 Palmer Union Oil Company, dated 1912, printed in blue. Features a vignette of allegorical figures including winged cherubs positioned around ornate decorative elements with classical imagery in flowing robes.

Cancelled with multiple perforation rows spelling 'CANCELLED' across the face. Shows characteristic signs of age with some foxing and minor discoloration, along with visible fold lines. Offered as a collectible.

In 1912, California's oil fields were booming as major discoveries in Kern County and the San Joaquin Valley transformed the state into America's leading petroleum producer. The Palmer Union Oil Company emerged during this fevered period when hundreds of oil ventures launched to capitalize on California's black gold rush. Companies like Union Oil, Standard Oil of California, and Associated Oil were rapidly acquiring smaller operations and drilling rights across the Central Valley and Los Angeles basin.

Through a convoluted trail of mergers spanning six decades, Palmer Union evolved into Palmer Stendel Oil Corporation, then Petrocarbon Chemicals, then Great Western Producers, then Taylor Wine Company, which merged into Coca-Cola in 1977. This lineage made Palmer Union certificates the subject of a nationally covered lawsuit in 2012, when a family claimed their garage-sale certificate entitled them to $130 million in Coca-Cola stock, a case featured on NBC's Today Show and Inside Edition.

Oil company certificates from California's early boom period remain highly sought after by collectors who appreciate both the allegorical artwork typical of early 20th-century financial printing and the historical significance of America's petroleum age beginning.

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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