Trains

Tech & Telco

New York

Media & Gaming

Auto

Retail Stores

Banks & Insurance

Oil & Gas

American Classics

Food & Drink

Skip to product information
1 of 4

The National Union Bank of Boston Stock Certificate from 1879

The National Union Bank of Boston Stock Certificate from 1879

Regular price $79.99
Regular price Sale price $79.99
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

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 The National Union Bank of Boston, dated 1879, printed in black. Features a vignette of the United States Capitol building with its distinctive dome and columned facade, surrounded by landscaped grounds.

Cancelled with multiple punch holes in a row across the bottom portion, indicating it was redeemed. Shows age toning and normal wear consistent with 19th-century certificates. Offered as a collectible.

In 1879, Boston stood as America's financial bedrock, second only to New York in banking power. The National Union Bank of Boston emerged from the transformative National Banking Act of 1863, which created a new class of federally chartered institutions to replace the chaotic state banking system that had fueled Civil War inflation. Boston's banking elite — the Cabots, Lowells, and Lawrences — wielded enormous influence over American capital, financing everything from textile mills in Lowell to transcontinental railroads. The National Union Bank served this merchant aristocracy during Boston's golden age as the hub of American industry, when State Street rivaled Wall Street and Beacon Hill families controlled much of the nation's manufacturing wealth. The bank eventually consolidated with other Boston institutions as the industry centralized in the early 20th century.

Banking certificates from the Gilded Age represent a foundational era in American finance, when federal regulation first brought stability to the monetary system after decades of wildcat banking chaos.

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.

View full details
Free US Shipping

On orders over $50

Authentic & Original Guarantee

Or your money back

5/5 from 150+ Collectors

Trust us to build their collection

Trusted By Thousands of Collectors

Art with a Backstory

Every Certificate Tells A Story

Turn rare stock and bond certificates into timeless décor. Piece showcases bold colors, engravings, and historic signatures perfect for an office, library, bar, common area, museum & more.

Shop All

Orders Ship Daily

Direct From Wall Street's Archives

Orders are shipped flat with care, tracked & insured with USPS, in a strong, rigid, protected envelope. Daily fulfillment Monday - Thursday from NYC.

Discover 1,000s of Wall Street Collectables