Researching Old Stocks
Learn the best resources and strategies for researching old stocks
Scripophily
Some folks collect old stock and bond certificates. This is called scripophily.
Some stock certificates that are worthless as securities may have value as collectibles because of:
- the people who signed them or owned them
- an interest in history
- the design or quality of the engraving
You can find collectors and dealers in such sources as eBay, or local antique dealers, especially ones who specialize in old currency, stamps, or coins.
People buy and sell stock certificates on popular websites such as eBay and Etsy. In fact a whole community has developed around this hobby.
- EBAY stock certificatesStock certificates for sale on ebay
- Etsy - Stock CertificatesStock Certificates for sale on Etsy
- International Bond & Share SocietyFounded in 1978 as a non-profit organization with the aim to promote, encourage and develop all aspects of scripophily with members in more than 40 countries
Scripophily Guide Books
Scripophily by
Scripophlly draws collectors because of the themed, dramatic art and historical representation each old bond or stock certificate holds. The mostly defunct, but sometimes live, original documents portray great historic themes of discovery, new technology, and financial institutions. Now back in print, this edition offers essential hobby background information, an overview of main collecting themes by country and subject, and advice on building, maintaining, valuing, and selling a collection. Reveals world-wide financial history through the coverage of financial documents in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Great Britain, Russia, South Africa, Central and South America, and the United States. Appendices list dealers, auction houses, publications, societies, and other places collectors can obtain certificates.
Standard Catalog of Stocks and Bonds by
Scripophily, collecting old stock certificates, is the fastest growing hobby in America. It touches elements of many different collectible areas including numismatics, paper, and advertising. This comprehensive pictorial price guide for world stocks and bonds has a heavy U.S. focus and provides more than 6,500 listings with prices and detailed descriptions, and more than 2,500 illustrations of certificates. Discover the history of stocks and bonds and how to get started in the hobby.
