How do I know if my old share certificates are still valid?
LSEG suggests the best way to see whether a shares certificate is still valid and worth selling is to consult a stockbroker. “It will cost you a small fee but, if there is money to be made from them, a stockbroker should help,” it says.
Can you do anything with old stock certificates?
Most stocks are issued to an individual, but they do transfer to heirs. In this case, the transfer agent will tell you that you need to provide a probated will if you inherited the certificate. However, once the transfer agent registers you as the owner, you can do with it as you please.
Are stock certificates valuable?
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: because of the people who signed them or owned them. because of an interest in history.
How do I find the value of a stock certificate?
You can begin with a quick internet search on the company's name. If this doesn't turn up any information, you may consult the corporate registry where the company was registered. You will find this information on the stock certificate, it will usually state “Incorporated under the laws of…”.
How do I cash in old stock certificates?
If you find yourself in possession of old stock certificates, you have a few options for selling them. You can cash them in through the transfer agent of the company with which the stock is owned. Or, you can work with a broker to sell the stock.
Are old common stocks worth anything?
Scripophily. If you find an old paper stock among some of your great-grandparents' belongings (or in an old antique store), it probably doesn't have any value behind it. The company that issued it is most likely long gone unless it is one of the few that has survived (in which case it might be worth something).
How do I sell shares with a certificate?
How to sell your shares onlineComplete an application confirming your personal details.Share the information on your certificate as proof of ownership.Send your certificate and printed application to the broker to confirm the sale.
How do I trace old shares?
You can trace other lost shares by contacting the three main share registrars: Link Asset Services (Linkgroup.eu or 0371664 0300); Computershare (Computershare.com/uk); and Equiniti (Equiniti.com or 0371 384 2030).