Compagnie Des Etablissements Francais Mines D'or De L'Uruguay - 1895 dated Stock Certificate

Stock. In corporate law, a stock certificate (also known as a certificate of stock or share certificate) is a formal document that verifies ownership of a specific number of shares or stock in a corporation. This certificate represents a bundle of legal rights and interests associated with the shares, including the right to dividends and voting rights. The practice of issuing stock certificates dates back to the early 17th century in the Netherlands, with the first known certificates appearing around 1606. In the United States, stock certificates began to be used by 1800. Historically, stock certificates were necessary to claim dividends, with the receipt for such payments often endorsed on the back of the certificate. Additionally, the physical certificate was typically required to transfer ownership of shares, ensuring that the transfer was recorded and validated.