Expert: Steven Taylor - 6/16/2009

Question
I HAVE FOUND SOME STOCK CERTIFICATES FROM ASEPTIC PRODUCTS COMPANY PURCHASED IN 1909 IN NEW YORK ONE PREFERED ONE COMMON ALSO THE EFFINGHAM COUNTY PROSPECTING AND MINING COMPANY PURCHASED 1904 IN EFFINGHAM ILLINOIS ANDTHE WRIGLEY CO-OPERATIVE IN 1907 IN CHICAGO ILLINOIS AND LASTLEY THE UNITED STATES PHARMACAL COMPANY IN ILLINOIS CAN U GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION OR TELL ME WHERE I CAN FIND THE INFORMATION THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT DAY. PS NOT YELLING JUST TYPING EVERYTHING IN UPPER CASE IS EASIER FOR ME.

Answer
Jill, I can't really help you with any of these, as the information I have available is limited to Canadian stocks.

All of the companies you listed are so old, it will be difficult for anyone to get specific information. Most certificates of that era are sold as art to certificate collectors, so even if there is no value as shares, there might be nominal value to collectors. I am going to guess you are not the person named on the certificates - even if there is value, you will have to prove you are legal owner of the shares - as certificates are not bearer instruments, and possession of a certificate does not automatically make you the legal owner without proper transfer.

Your best bet here may be to contact a US broker and see what information they can find for you.