John D. Rockefeller was one of the richest men in recorded history, amassing an (inflation adjusted) fortune of $400 billion through the strength of his chief business, the Standard Oil Company, Inc. At one point, Rockefeller’s interests controlled over 90% of the available oil in the United States, driving his fortunes to levels unknown since the German copper magnate Jakob Fugger of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Offered here is a Standard Oil stock certificate from February 24th, 1890 signed by Rockefeller, as well as his right-hand man and future Standard Oil chief John D. Archbold. This stock certificate measures 12 x 8 inches, with the signatures applied in black fountain pen. A 4 x 8-inch receipt is adhered to the left side of this stock certificate, while a second addendum is attached to the reverse side of this stock certificate. A stamp on the front of this certificate indicates that it was canceled in 1899. This stock certificate has also been signed by the Standard Oil treasurer and the purchaser of this certificate. A LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication accompanies this certificate.

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