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Value of Old Mining StocksBy Anneli Meeder– September 22, 2005 I have some old mining stocks, are they worth anything? At InfoMine, we hear this question regularly. Unfortuntely, we do not have the time to research individual inquiries about old stock certificates, this article however is intended as a general guide on where to start looking if you care to do the research on your own. Please note that all the specifics in this article apply to US and Canadian companies only. Old mining company stocks may have value for one of two reasons: either the company still exists (under the same name or merged with or acquired by another company); or the certificates may have collector’s value. Researching the Company NameBy the time you are reading this, you have probably already researched whether the company that is named on the stock certificate still exists under that same name. Just in case you haven’t, search the InfoMine Companies & Properties Database, it contains thousands of mining company addresses. If you find the company, contact their investor relations department. If your search is unsuccessful, read on: Next, we need to find out if the company has changed names through a merger or acquisition, or whether it is obsolete. There are some online resources, but this research will most likely involve reference books in libraries.Online resources
Reference Books Reference Books for older stocks (all of these should be available in most larger public libraries and university libraries):
Fee-based search servicesIf all this sounds too time-consuming or complicated, there are a number of fee-based services which will do the research for you, all you need to give them is the information found on the stock certificate (name of the company, date issued, and jurisdiction). Charges are usually between $40 and $100 per stock. There is an incomplete list of search companies at the end of this article.Company Obsolete?If the research shows that the company is obsolete, the stock as such is worthless. It may still have collector’s value. If you are interested in selling your old certificates to a collector or dealer, google “scripophily” or check out the Scripophily Dealers and Organisations on the excellent Goldsheetlinks website.Company Merged or Acquired?If the research shows that the company has merged or has been acquired by a currently existing company, contact the company’s Shareholder Services or Investor Relations department (contact information can usually be found on the company’s website) with regards to stock transfer. Sometimes these are handled by Transfer Agents, which will also be listed on the company’s homepage.Useful links with further information:Researching company names:Fee-based search companies:
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