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American Express Co. Stock Certificate Issued to Holland (Wells Signature) [134076]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:350.00 USD Estimated At:700.00 - 1,000.00 USD
American Express Co. Stock Certificate Issued to Holland (Wells Signature)  [134076]
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Early! No. 3782, issued for 6 shares to company treasurer Alex Holland on December 31st, 1859. Signed by Henry Wells as president only--secretary and treasurer left blank. We are aware of only two certificates like this. Not cancelled. Black border and print, with locomotive and telegraph pole vignette. Capital Stock 7,500 shares. Printed by John H. Duyckink, NY. Not endorsed on the reverse. Folds, areas of heavy toning, pinholes. 6.75 x 10.75" This certificate comes at a pivot point for the company, about to reach the end of a previous 10 year agreement. Stock certificates issued and used through the 1854-1859 period evidence three different printed and several different signature varieties, which allows for advanced collectors to acquire rarities. All of these certificates carry the “Capital Stock 7,500 shares” designation at the far left of the certificate in big bold print. During this period, Henry Wells did not sign all the certificates as president, and instead John Butterfield signed in his stead as Vice President from about August 1 to about the 20th of December, 1859. The last ten days or so of the Company, Wells continued to sign the newly issued certificates. The very last group of certificates from December appear to reflect last-minute trading before the company was sold to the shareholders. The 1854-1859 period for American Express was anything but calm. With an explosion of the express business caused by not only the fast development of inter-state railroad development east of the Missouri River, but more importantly by the extreme amount of business generated by the California Gold Rush. (Type 2f,v)

Date: 1859
Country (if not USA):
State: New York
City: New York
Provenance: Ken Prag Collection