Welcome to Scripophily Trader, an online shop specializing in antique stocks and bonds.

  • All certificates guaranteed genuine,
  • "No-Quibble" money-back guarantee,
  • Friendly and professional service.

Stock certificates look great framed, and make wonderful gifts.


Scripophily, the collection of antique stocks and bonds, is a relatively new and exciting collectible area. Certificates are valued for their vignettes, which often depict bygone industries and times, and their historical significance. Many interesting certificates can still be acquired at modest cost. Click the About Scripophily Menu Item at left for more information on scripophily.

Scripophily Trader, like many other collectible dealers, started as a collector. In my case, collecting stocks and bonds evolved from a hobby to a business when I retired from a full time job (as an energy and environmental economist) in the late 1990s. At first, I sold certificates mainly on ebay (where I am known as vig, short for vignette), but later opened a shop on Ruby Lane (it is still operating) and started to sell at antique, collectible, railroad, and scripophily shows. Scripophily Trader is a renovated online shop that I first opened a couple of years ago. Click the About Scripophily Trader Menu. Tab for more information about Scripophily Trader’s commitment to promoting the hobby of scripophily and his business principles.

If you are looking for a specific certificate, or have questions about items I am selling or general questions about collecting stocks and bonds, email me, and I will do my best to answer.

Thanks for visiting Scripophily Trader. Visit often. New items are added regularly.

Site Notes

Scripophily Trader's site continues to grow. I typically add about 20 new products each month. If something does not work, or is confusing, or you have general observation, let me know. Your input is appreciated.



Scripophily Show News

Significant changes in the calendar of national scripophily shows have occurred over the last few years. The Smythe Scripophily Show traditionally held in February in Strasburg PA for over 20 years had its last show in 2004. The Joint Paper Money and Scripophily Smythe Show held in the fall in Strasburg, also has folded. Another long-time show sponsored by the Washington Historical Autograph & Certificate Organization (WHACO) completed its multi year run a couple of years earlier. While we enjoyed these classy events, a new scripophily show in the Washington DC area has developed from a regional into a international show in just a few years. If you have not attended a scripophily show since the Strasburg shows ended, you should give this emerging show a visit. It's a great opportunity to meet collectors and dealers from all over the US and a few from Europe as well. See below for show details.

The Winter Northern Virginia Stock and Bond Show held in upscale Tysons Corner hotels in 2005 and 2006 and in the Dullas Airport area since 2007 is now on par with the best shows held in Strasburg. The hotel ballrooms are spacious, attendance has been very good, and the show now is open two full days (Friday and Saturday). This show has developed into the premier national scripophily event, and the Jan 2014 show promises to be better. Mark your calendars for this one (see below).

My Upcoming Shows

I generally set up at four to six shows through the year. The first show of the year (the big one) is Bob Shell's National Stock Certificate and Bond Show (next show is Jan 24-25, 2014 at Crowne Plaza Hotel - Dulles Airport, 2200 Centerville Rd, in Herndon, VA). Contact Information: Bob Shell Enterprises (715) 542-2321, or see show website www.rsschell.com. In April I am in Allentown PA for the Allentown Paper Show. In June I set up at the Manassas Railway Festival (weather permitting - this is an outdoor show). Generally held the first Saturday in June. In July (sometimes), it is back to Allentwon for the summer Allentown Paper Show, and then in October (again sometimes), back to Allentown for the fall show. My final show of the year is in Gaithersburg, MD in the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in November. Except for the January show, often I am the only dealer selling stock and bond certificates.


Other Scripophily News