STOCK CERTIFICATES ART AND HISTORY
Imagine holding a piece of financial history in your hands — a beautifully engraved stock certificate from a long-defunct railroad company, or a bond signed by a financier of the American Revolution. This is the captivating realm of scripophily, where collectors hunt for these paper treasures that tell the stories of bygone eras and economic booms and busts.
While there may only be about 40,000 enthusiasts worldwide, this niche hobby packs a punch when it comes to intrigue and visual appeal. Think of it as a time machine that transports you through the annals of financial history, all while admiring exquisite artwork that adorned these financial instruments.
From the lavish Art Nouveau designs of Alphonse Mucha to the sleek Art Deco motifs of the Roaring Twenties, these certificates are more than just financial documents — they are miniature masterpieces. And let's not forget the thrill of owning a piece signed by a titan of industry like John D. Rockefeller or a certificate from an infamous scandal like the South Sea Bubble, or John Law’s Mississippi Company.
Scripophily isn't just for history buffs or finance geeks. It's for anyone who appreciates the intersection of art, history, and the human drama behind booms, busts, and daring economic ventures. Whether you're drawn to the intricate engravings, the stories of railroad empires, or the autographs of business legends, there's something in scripophily to capture everyone's imagination.
So, buckle up as we embark on a journey through time, exploring the colorful world of stocks, bonds, and other financial ephemera. Who knows? You might just find yourself joining the ranks of scripophilists, proudly displaying framed certificates that are conversation starters and windows into our economic past. Let's dive in and discover the hidden gems of this fascinating hobby!
EIGHT CHAPTERS
Scripophily — what is it? Artistic stocks and bonds. Famous signatures and personalities. Some interesting and important companies. Other iconic stock certificates. History of DJIA. How to rank the wealthiest Americans. Putting money and finance into big history.
The book ends with tables and charts of US GDP, GDP per capita, population, CPI, labor costs, gold price, gold:silver ratio, £/$ conversion, inflation, DJIA, stretching back to 1774
223 pages, profusely illustrated with color photos
89 full-page color photos of artistic and historic stocks and bonds
hardback 9 by 12 inches
2,000 word index
copyright 2025
Price $69 plus $5 shipping in the US
If interested, please email Peter using the stay-in-the-loop link below