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Standard Oil Trust Stock Certificate signed by John D Rockefeller from 1882

Standard Oil Trust Stock Certificate signed by John D Rockefeller from 1882

Regular price $2,499.00
Regular price Sale price $2,499.00
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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 Standard Oil Trust, dated April 5th, 1882, signed by John D. Rockefeller, the world's first billionaire, and his closest business partner Henry M. Flagler. Their original signatures appear on the face of the certificate, each bearing a red cancellation line drawn through them indicating the certificate was formally redeemed, a practice that preserved these remarkable documents from destruction. Printed on cream paper in green ink, the certificate features a vignette of the United States Capitol building with its distinctive dome rendered in detailed engraving style.

This is an iconic piece of American history you can hold.

Standard Oil Trust was the corporate vehicle through which Rockefeller consolidated his petroleum empire, becoming America's first great industrial monopoly. Founded in 1882 in Cleveland and later incorporated in Ohio, the Trust brought together dozens of previously independent oil companies under Rockefeller's control, creating a vertical integration that dominated every aspect of the oil business from drilling to retail. Rockefeller would amass a fortune so vast it reshaped the very concept of wealth in America, while Flagler would become the visionary developer of Florida's east coast, building the railroad to Key West and establishing Palm Beach as a winter resort destination. Together, these two men transformed not just the oil industry but American capitalism itself. The Trust controlled roughly 90% of American oil refining by the mid-1880s, generating unprecedented wealth that funded libraries, universities, and charitable foundations while also drawing fierce criticism and eventual antitrust action. The Supreme Court ordered Standard Oil's dissolution in 1911, breaking it into 34 separate companies including what became ExxonMobil, Chevron, and others that remain industry giants today.

Signed by two titans, Standard Oil Trust certificates remain among the most historically significant pieces in American scripophily.

This early Trust certificate captures the moment when modern corporate America was born through Rockefeller's revolutionary business model. You will receive the exact certificate shown. The stock stub remains fixed to the certificate, and some natural aging, light wear, and visible fold lines are consistent with a document from the 1800s, adding to its authentic character. 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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