Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 329 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 989

Standard Oil Company (Ohio). Cleveland. April 22, 1878. 451 shares. Capitol Building. Standard Bearer, left (woman with sword and flag). Capital stock $3,500,000. 35,000 shares, $100 each. Issued to "John D. Rockefeller Trustee", and signed by him three times, once as president, and twice as trustee. Signed twice by Henry Flagler, with numerous notations in Flagler's hand. VF+.
Early in their business careers, John D. Rockefeller was a commission agent for Flagler, who earned his living as grain dealer in Bellevue, Ohio. It was Flagler who introduced Rockefeller to Stephen Harkness, the man who provided Rockefeller with his first serious infusion of cash. These three, with the addition of Samuel Andrews, William Rockefeller and O. B. Jennings, were the original shareholders of the Standard Oil Company. Rockefeller was president, Flagler handled the duties of secretary-treasurer.
Rockefeller realized that the best way to earn money in the rapidly expanding oil business was to control the refining side of the industry. He gained great advantages over his competition by bargaining with the railroads for reduced transportation fees, and he achieved a virtual monopoly that would eventually draw the attention and the anger of his competitors and the U.S. government.
Original Standard Oil Company certificates signed by Rockefeller have always been recognized as one of the most popular and important examples of American scripophily. At the turn of the 21st century Standard Oil Company certificates routinely brought $10,000 and up, and graced the offices of many prestigious brokerage firms. Triple-signed Rockefeller Standard Oil certificates traded at strong premiums. This is an excellent opportunity for the astute bidder who truly appreciates the best in American scripophily to add a great example to their collection. ($5,000-$7,500) Headline: Standard Oil Company Issued to John D. Rockefeller and Signed by Him Three Times.

Sold for
$3,250