A little bit of research can help you determine the worth, if any, of your old paper stock certificate. Determine whether the company is still traded on a stock exchange. This can be done by searching major financial websites. If the stock has split over the years, the amount listed might not be the amount your certificate is worth.
What to do if you find an old stock certificate?
To determine the value of an old stock certificate, you will need to verify if the company is still active, the current (or most recent name) of the company and if its shares are still tradable. Start by determining the company’s status. You will need to determine if the company is still in existence. Different resources are available to you.
How to find the value of your old stock certificates?
Contact your stockbroker to search the stock's worth via its CUSIP number if the steps given earlier yield no results. This number is printed on the back of the stock certificate. Use a …
Where can you find old stock certificates?
Mar 01, 2020 · Check the certificate to see if the Transfer agent's name is listed on it. Perhaps even the address. If so, contact them and see what those two shares represent today. Plan B would be to see customer service at Wells Fargo and see if they can assist you in determining what, if anything, these shares are worth. Share Improve this answer
How to research vintage stock certificates?
An old stock or bond certificate may still be valuable even if it no longer trades under the name printed on the certificate. The company may have merged with another company or simply changed its name. Keep in mind that due to corporate reorganizations (such as splits, mergers, or reverse mergers), the current share price may not be useful in determining the certificate's …
How do I find out if a stock certificate is still good?
First, look for any signs that suggest the stock certificate is still valid. A valid stock certificate bears the name of the beneficiary. Also, all seals and signatures should be undamaged. In other words, there should be no hole punches or stamps over any of the seals or signatures on the certificate.Mar 26, 2019
How do I research old stock certificates for free?
Your local library may have print and online sources that will help you find out, in what form, and if its stock still has value. You can do a quick check on free stock market quote services, such as: Big Charts. Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB)
Can you look up stock certificates online?
Begin your old stock certificate lookup by doing an online ticker search. Type the name of your company into a search engine and see if it still exists and what its trading symbol is.
Are old paper stock certificates worth anything?
An old stock or bond certificate may still be valuable even if it no longer trades under the name printed on the certificate. The company may have merged with another company or simply changed its name.
Do stock certificates expire?
Stock shares do not have an expiration date.
What can you do with old paper stock certificates?
All you need to do is contact the company and ask for its transfer agent. The transfer agent is the person that will help you get registered as the owner of the certificate and collect any uncollected dividends.Oct 16, 2020
How do I find old stocks in my name?
How to Locate Lost Shares of StockHome Search. Search your paper files at home. ... Broker Contact. Contact your broker to ensure the stock is not being held in “street name.” You may have turned the certificates over and forgotten about it. ... Investor Inquiries. ... Request a Stop Transfer. ... Order a Replacement.
How do I find old stock shares?
Call the Financial Stock Guide Service at (800) 367-3441 and ask for the custom research department. They will be able to tell you, for a fee, whether or not your shares are active or obsolete. In business since 1927, they also publish a directory that updates annually.
Who buys old stock certificates?
Scripophily is a term for the hobby of collecting old stock certificates. Companies such as Scripophily.com are eager to help, in hopes that if the certificate is valuable, they can sell it or auction it at a profit. Some stock certificates are collectible because they have a famous name on them.Oct 22, 2013
What to do when you find old stocks?
When you find old stocks, the first thing you need to do is find out if the company still exists. If the company doesn't exist, it most likely is worth nothing as a security. But don't give up all hope just yet. It may be worth something as a collectible. There is a whole community of people who collect old stocks.
How to prove ownership of a stock?
When proving that you own the stock, you need to start with the owner's name that is listed on the stock. Now work your way backward to trace the ownership. Depending on how old the stock is, this could be as simple as starting with a parent. It could go back further though, and that's when things get confusing.
What happens if a company no longer exists?
If the company no longer exists at all, don't lose hope! You may find that your stock is valuable as a collectible. In the last twenty years or so people have begun to collect stock certificates that are for companies that are no longer in existence. Some collectors want the certificates for their artistic beauty.
Why are old stocks valuable?
There is a whole community of people who collect old stocks. Not just any stocks are collected though. They are valuable because of their design or quality. Or they could be worth something because of the person who signed or owned them. You may also find someone who wants them purely for the history of them.
When was the stock market first traded?
The first stock traded was for the Bank of New York in 1792.
Can you cash out old stock certificates?
If not, you may find a collector who is interested in them. Whatever you ultimately decide, make sure you don't lose your old stock certificates by storing them properly. This will help keep them safe and retain their value.
Do you need proof of ownership to cash in a will?
When you go to cash in your certificates, you will need to show proof of ownership. This could be as simple as showing a death certificate and probated will. Other times it may be more complicated and require you to hire an attorney. If you are unsure of your situation, it is best to hire an expert to advise you.
What do you do if you have a stock certificate?
What do you do if you have a stock certificate? The first step to determine the value of the stock is to see whether or not the company still exists.
Why are stock certificates worthless?
Some stock certificates that are worthless as securities may have value as collectibles: because of the people who signed them or owned them. because of an interest in history. because of the design or quality of the engraving. You can find collectors and dealers in such sources as:
What if the above sources don't help?
What if the above sources don't help? Certain records are kept by the state under whose laws the company was incorporated. Be aware that the state of incorporation and the state in which the company is located may not be the same.
Can a private company sell their stock to the public?
Private or closely held companies do not sell their stock to the public. Unlisted companies can sell their stock to the public but are not listed on stock exchanges. Most company information that is published covers the small number of companies whose stock is traded on one of the major stock exchanges.
How to trade-in a stock certificate
If the share certificate is registered in your name, you have three options:
Scripophily
If the company is no longer in existence, the share certificate itself might still have some value to a collector. Share certificates are collected by scripophily enthusiasts for their historical significance and/or for their artwork and intricate engraving.
Where can I find the transfer agent number?
You can usually find the number of the company or the name of the transfer agent on the company's website; generally, publicly listed corporations have an investor-relations link on their sites. The main reason you need to go to a transfer agent is companies rarely handle their own securities in-house.
Where does incorporation go?
Generally, incorporation goes through the Secretary of State, and the name of the business will be documented in those databases. You should be able to contact the Secretary of State's office and find out more about your certificate. Stock Certificate.
Can you transfer ownership of stock to your name?
The transfer agent will have a record of the person's name on the stock certificate; ownership can then be transferred to your name. This can be done in many different ways, so it's always best to contact the transfer agent and request instructions. Many of them are extremely picky.
Can stock search companies help you find stock guides?
Stock search companies may also publish or help you find stock guides to assist you in investigating an old stock. However, it is often the case that the company will charge you more than the stock is actually worth. (For related reading, see: I Lost My Share Certificate.
What happens if a stock splits over years?
If the stock has split over the years, the amount listed might not be the amount your certificate is worth. Contact the stock certificate's transfer agent, who is responsible for keeping records for stockholders. The agent is listed on the certificate itself.
Can you throw away old stock certificates?
Old stock certificates shouldn't be simply thrown away. They can still have value if they represent an existing or merged company, or if they are valued as collectibles. A little bit of research can help you determine the worth, if any, of your old paper stock certificate. Step 1. Determine whether the company is still traded on a stock exchange.
What to look for when you find an old stock certificate?
The most important feature to look for when you happen upon an old stock certificate is any signs of canceling. It may be a barely readable hand stamp or imprint, but if it is there, your stock is worth nothing on the stock market (although it may be valuable to collectors).
How to find out who the transfer agent is?
You can usually find out who the transfer agent is by speaking with the company's investor relations department. The transfer agent will help you to assign the stock to your name.
Does each security have its own CUSIP?
Each security has its own CUSIP and is assigned a new one whenever there is a reorganization , merger or acquisition. You can open an account at the CUSIP Service Bureau's website to conduct an online search, but it is likely more cost effective to have a broker do it for you.
How to contact Old Company Research?
If you have any questions, please call us toll free at 1-888-STOCKS6 or 703-787-3552 or send us an email to Old Company Research . If we do not find any information regarding the company we are researching, you are not charged.
Who is the founder of Old Company Stock Research Service?
The company was founded and is managed by Bob Kerstein, CPA.
What is an asset purchase?
The asset purchase includes all archives, publishing rights and copyrights on obsolete research reference material published by the Marvyn Scudders Manuals , the Robert D. Fisher Manuals, and the Herzog & Co., Inc. obsolete research services, which have been performed continuously since 1880.
Does The Company Exist?
The Company Exists
- There are a few places that you can look up stocks to determine if the company exists. Try the Over the Counter Bulletin Board, or the OTC Markets. Many companies are bought, sold, and merged. Because of this, you may find that the name you are looking for is different from the original company when the stock was bought. If you find that there is a company in existence to…
Scripophily
- If the company no longer exists at all, don't lose hope! You may find that your stock is valuable as a collectible. In the last twenty years or so people have begun to collect stock certificates that are for companies that are no longer in existence. Some collectors want the certificates for their artistic beauty. Others like collecting them for their historical significance or the company's story.
How Much Are Your Old Stock Certificates Worth?
- So the next time you are digging around in grandma's attic and find some old stock certificates, don't just throw them away! Do a little investigation and find out if the company is alive and running today. If it is, you may be able to cash them out for a profit. If not, you may find a collector who is interested in them. Whatever you ultimately de...
Getting Started
Company Histories
- These sources report corporate financial events, obsolete securities, or company histories: 1. Capital Changes Reporter 2. Directory of Obsolete Securities 3. Fisher Manuals 4. MERGENT/Moody's Manuals 5. Smythe Manuals 6. Standard and Poor's Manual of Railroads It's a good idea to check business, city, and phone directories and periodical indexes. Consult both cu…
Corporate Records
- What if the above sources don't help? Certain records are kept by the state under whose laws the company was incorporated. Be aware that the state of incorporation and the state in which the company is located may not be the same. 1. For Maryland corporations, call the office of the Department of Assessments and Taxation, Corporation Division in Baltimore at (410) 767-1340. …
What Is Scripophily?
- The hobby of collecting old stock and bond certificates is called scripophily (pronounced scri-POPH-i-ly). Some stock certificates that are worthless as securities may have value as collectibles: 1. because of the people who signed them or owned them. 2. because of an interest in history. 3. because of the design or quality of the engraving. You ca...
Further Assistance
- If you need more information, your local library may be able to help. You'll need to provide them with either: 1. the name of the company 2. the date of the certificate 3. the state of incorporation or: 1. a copy of the certificate If you still can't find what happened to a company using these sources, you may choose to have the stock of incorporated companies searched by a fee-based …
The Key Pieces of Information
Transfer Agent
- If you have been successful in finding all this information, you will need to locate the name of the transfer agent. The easiest way is to contact the company and ask it directly. The main reason you need to go to a transfer agent is companies rarely handle their own securities in-house. They prefer to have another company take care of the bookkeeping and issuing of securities. The tran…
The Importance of Documentation
- If you are inheriting securities, ensure the individual whose name is on the certificate has bequeathed it to you. A probated will with the necessary signatures of the executors may be required by the transfer agent before it will transfer ownership. Once the certificates have been delivered back to you in your name, you can deposit them with a broker and sell them accordingly.
Have Someone Else Do The Work For You
- For those of you who have gone through all of these steps without any success, there are other means by which you can have your old stock certificates researched, but they will cost you some money. For a fee, stock search companies will do all of the investigative work for you and, if the certificate ends up having no trading value, they may offer to purchase it for a collector's value. …