1890s Standard Oil Trust Paper Stock Certificate

1890s Standard Oil Stock Certificate

Founded in 1863 by the legendary John D. Rockefeller, Standard Oil Trust became the largest oil company of its time – and helped propel Rockefeller to becoming the richest man in modern history. After adjusting for inflation, economists have estimated that Rockefeller amassed a fortune worth more than $410 billion in today’s dollars and accounted for 2% of the United States economy.

However, even a big industrial business magnate like Rockefeller needed hard cash to get his operation off the ground. So, in 1867, the 28-year-old former bookkeeper turned to wealthy businessman Stephen Harkness, who agreed to put in $100,000 – just over $2 million in modern currency – on the condition that his younger stepbrother, Henry Flagler, be made partner in the business. Flagler soon became the “brains” of the operation, which eventually became the most profitable corporation in the world for more than a century. Rockefeller and Flagler would share an office with facing desks and walked to and from work together. Theirs was a close friendship founded on business with nary an unkind word passed between them for nearly 50 years until Flagler’s death in 1913.

This genuine Standard Oil Trust Paper Stock Certificate was issued during the 1890s and bears the authentic hand-written signature of Henry Flagler. Its large size, green border and attractive vignette of the U.S. Capitol make it perfect for framing and display. Own a real piece of one of history’s greatest success stories and capture the feeling of being in on the ground floor in business with John D. Rockefeller with this authentic hand-signed stock certificate!