How can I research old stock certificates?

Question

I recently found two stock certificates that belonged to my great grandfather. Thery're from the 1950's. How can I find out if they're still good?

Answer 1

I think the first thing you want to do is an online search on the companies - find out whatever you can about them that way.

The companies could changed their names, the companies could have been acquired, the companies could have gone bankrupt, the companies could have been taken private, etc. All have ramifications as to potential value.

There are several published references on old stock certs - see if your library has one of these:

Financial Stock Guide Service" - updated annually since the 1920's, I think.

Also:
"Robert D. Fisher Manual of Valuable & Worthless Securities"
"National Stock Summary".

If you have no success in identifying/tracking the companies, there are services for hire - those will come with a fee.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Check with the office of the Secretary of State for the state the companies were registered in.

Answer 4

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