This is a rare stock certificate from Viacom Inc dated 1986. It is a specimen, meaning it was never issued or circulated, likely used as a sample from the printer. It features the iconic logos of Nickelodeon, Paramount, MTV, Showtime & Simon & Schuster. 

Viacom Inc. is a major American media conglomerate with a rich history in the entertainment industry. The company was originally formed in 1970 as a spin-off from CBS to comply with FCC regulations. 

Viacom formally became a separate company in 1971 when CBS distributed Viacom's stock to its stockholders at the rate of one share for every seven shares of CBS stock.

At its inception, Viacom had about 90,000 cable subscribers, making it one of the largest cable operators in the United States at the time. 

The company went public in 1971 when it was spun off from CBS.

Over the years, Viacom has grown to become a leading global media company, with a portfolio of iconic brands:

1. Nickelodeon was launched in 1979 and has become a powerhouse in children's entertainment, featuring popular animated series and live-action shows.

2. MTV was acquired in 1985, MTV revolutionized music television and has since expanded into reality programming and other entertainment content.

3. Paramount Pictures purchased in 1994, adding a major film studio to its portfolio

4. Showtime was established by Viacom in 1976, Showtime is a premium cable and satellite television network known for its original programming.

5. Simon & Schuster, a renowned publishing house was part of Viacom's assets until recently. 

In 2000, Viacom acquired CBS Corporation, reuniting the two companies. However, in 2006, Viacom split into two separate companies: CBS Corporation and a new Viacom. In 2019, the two companies re-merged to form ViacomCBS, which has since been renamed Paramount Global.