Expert: Steven Taylor - 3/26/2009

Question
My mother in law has an old security certificate.  The name of the security is Augdome #1642 and has a 100 shares. It was orginally bought by her father, John R. Martin September 20, 1958.  The letterhead is James Beatty and Co.  Suite 810  100 Adelaide Street West Toronto Canada. It was transferred to her mother Jessie Martin upon John Martin's death in 1977.  When Jessie Martin died it was given to my mother-in-law Joan Johnston.  Could you tell me what it's worth and how to redeem it.  Thank you.

Answer
Vicky, I have been asked about Augdome several times. The Company changed its name from Augdome Exploration to Augdome Corporation. The Company delisted from the Vancouver Stock Exchange in 1984, and from then on traded over-the-counter before seeming to disappear about 1990. They were slapped with a cease-trade order by Ontario in 1992, and since that order remains in effect to this day, it suggests there is no current trading market for the stock.

If there is a transfer agent listed on the certificate, I would contact them first. You could also contact the Province of Incorporation and see what information they have available. Finally, you could take the certificate to a broker and see if they are able to uncover any additional information about the company.