A new book by Peter Jones explores stock certificates and their art and history.
-Editor
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!
From the back cover:
"From the trading floors of Wall Street to the dusty attics of history, Peter Jones takes readers on a captivating journey through the art and legacy of stock certificates in Stock Certificates, Art and History. This lavishly illustrated tome brings to life the hidden beauty and fascinating stories behind these financial artifacts.
"Jones, a numismatist and prolific author, combines his expertise in medicine, finance, and history to craft a unique perspective on the world's economic evolution. With the keen eye of a collector and the charm of a storyteller, he unveils the artistry of these paper treasures and the titans of industry whose signatures grace them.
"Divided into four engaging sections, this book showcases everything from exquisite certificate designs to the John Hancocks of legends like J. P. Morgan and Thomas Edison. Jones delves into the industries that shaped America and explores the Dow Jones Industrial Average's role in measuring her financial pulse.
"Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply curious about the intersection of art and commerce, Jones' expertise and enthusiasm shine through every page. This Oxford and Cambridge graduate proves that even after decades as a physician, he hasn't lost his talent for making history come alive.
"Prepare to be entertained, educated, and perhaps even inspired to start your own collection. Stock Certificates, Art and History is more than just a book—it's a window into the very soul of American capitalism."
There are nine chapters:
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Scripophily — what is it?
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Artistic stocks and bonds
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Famous signatures and personalities
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Some interesting and important companies
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Other iconic stock certificates
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History of the Dow Jones Industrial Average
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How to rank the wealthiest Americans
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Putting money and finance into big history
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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 coffee table book
2,000 word index
copyright 2025
To order a copy, please go to
www.booksoncoins.com for more details and email Peter Jones to order. Price $69, plus $5 post and packing in the US.
For more information, or to order, see:
STOCK CERTIFICATES ART AND HISTORY
(https://www.booksoncoins.com/stock-certificates-art-and-history)
Wayne Homren, Editor
The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization
promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org.
To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor
at this address: whomren@gmail.com
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