Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Search scripophily.net for the stock certificate that interests you. (See References below for a link.) You also will be able to find an in-depth introduction to the hobby, a history of collecting, motives for collecting and a research service that will investigate your old stock certificate for $39.95 each. If you want to avoid the fee, there are plenty of stocks for sale at the site that you can use in researching your own.
Search realstockcertificates.com for certificates that are more than 100 years old and in excellent shape. (See References below for a link.) Old stock certificates, like any paper item, can deteriorate with age, becoming brittle with heat exposure, acquiring stains from moisture or tearing from careless handling or storage. This site specializes in flawless examples. It has a search feature, or you may browse by category to get a sense of your certificate value. Also available are articles and definitions for beginners.
Protect yourself from fraud by studying the Professional Scripophily Trade Association's tips on internet auctions, merchandise delivery and credit card purchases. A link to the organizations website is available in the References below.
Join the Washington Historical Autograph and Certificate Organization for access to their database of realized auction prices. (See Resources below for a link.) It is tough to judge the value of an item by comparing various asking prices, but once you know what an item has sold for, you have evidence of its value in the market. Registration costs $25 a year; other services, like articles, definitions, and lists of dealers, are available as well.