American Classics

Tech & Telco

New York

Auto

Media & Gaming

Disney

Banks & Insurance

Oil & Gas

Food & Drink

Retail Stores

Skip to product information
1 of 5

Uncle Sam Oil Company Bond Certificate

Uncle Sam Oil Company Bond Certificate

Regular price $49.99 USD
Regular price $99.00 USD Sale price $49.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

60+ 100% Positive Reviews! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 a green gold bond certificate from the Uncle Sam Oil Company, issued in 1910 for $100 and a term of 15 years, falling due in 1925. It pays an interest of 7% annually, falling due in February and August of each year.

It features a simple vignette, which is primarily the company’s simple, yet elegant logo, prominently displayed at the top. It comes with the signature of the president and secretary of the company, along with the original bond coupons attached. 

The Uncle Sam Oil Company was started in 1905 and was touted as a great challenger to Standard Oil’s monopoly. It owned a few oil-producing lands and capitalized on the public’s eagerness to invest in this lucrative industry to issue equity and debt to fund its expansion.

It eventually turned out to be a Ponzi scheme, one of the first few of the century, leading to the conviction and imprisonment of the company’s founder, Henry Harrison Tucker Jr. Investors were later paid back by selling the company’s lands and the little oil that it did have, although not in full.

Despite the ugly turn this took, the certificate is certainly a collector’s item, one that provides a connection to a bygone era when America was just taking its initial steps toward becoming an industrial superpower. 

 

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

Discover 1,000s of Wall Street Collectables