Goes 223 North Carolina Stock Certificate
The Goes 223 North Carolina Stock Certificate is a notable piece of American financial history that appeals to collectors, historians, and investors interested in antique securities. As a beautifully engraved document, it is both an artifact of a bygone era of business and a reflection of the elaborate artistry associated with financial instruments in the early to mid-20th century.
What is the Goes 223 Stock Certificate?
The term “Goes 223” refers to a specific design template created by the Goes Lithographing Company, one of the most prominent producers of engraved stock and bond certificates in the United States. Founded in the 19th century and headquartered in Chicago, Goes produced thousands of unique forms for use by corporations, municipalities, and utilities.
The Goes 223 design is characterized by:
Ornate borders and classic American engraving style
A centrally placed corporate seal imprint area
Space for company name, stockholder information, number of shares, and signatures
Often printed on high-quality paper with anti-counterfeit features like watermarks
When issued in North Carolina, these certificates were customized with state-specific legal text, registration information, and often the name of the company issuing the stock.
Historical Context
Stock certificates like the Goes 223 were once the standard method of representing ownership in a corporation. Before the advent of digital recordkeeping, shareholders physically held these documents as proof of their stake in a company.
In North Carolina, during the 1900s, industries such as:
Tobacco
Textiles
Railroads
Utilities
…issued stock using these designs. The certificates served not only a financial purpose but were often beautifully designed to convey legitimacy and prestige.
Collecting North Carolina Stock Certificates
For collectors, the Goes 223 North Carolina Stock Certificate is appealing for several reasons:
Artistic design: The aesthetic appeal of classic engraving makes it a popular item for framing or display.
Historical value: Certificates from defunct companies offer insights into North Carolina’s industrial and economic past.
Rarity: Some variations are rare due to limited issuance or the short lifespan of the issuing company.
Legal curiosity: These documents sometimes include interesting legal language or outdated clauses from early 20th-century corporate law.
Collectors should verify:
The issuing company’s history
The date of issuance
Whether the certificate is cancelled (no longer valid for trading) or uncancelled
Authenticity and condition
Modern Relevance
Today, with electronic trading and dematerialized securities, physical stock certificates have become largely obsolete. However, they remain an important educational and historical resource, especially for those studying:
The evolution of American capitalism
Corporate governance
Printing and engraving techniques
While the Goes 223 North Carolina Stock Certificate may no longer hold monetary value in the market, its cultural and historical value continues to grow.
Conclusion
The Goes 223 North Carolina Stock Certificate is a fascinating blend of art, finance, and history. Whether you’re a dedicated scripophilist (a collector of old stock and bond certificates) or a history enthusiast, this relic offers a tangible connection to the economic heritage of North Carolina and the broader evolution of corporate America.
