Expert: Steven Taylor - 9/12/2011

Question
I found 2 stock certificates, One from Sunstate International Limited (200 shares-Sept 1995) and Dundee Palliser Resources Inc (1500 shares - Aug 1987).  I was just wondering how I find out if they are worth anything?

Answer
John, stock certificates are not bearer instruments. They instead only represent a receipt of ownership. Unless those certificates have your name on them and/or have been legally transferred to you and the transfer agent/registrar informed on the transfer, there is nothing you can do with them.

However, in this case, it doesn't make much difference. The Sunstate shares have no current value. Dundee Palliser went through 3 name changes and 2 reverse splits (1 for 30 and a 1 for 10, although shareholders just approved an additional 1 for 15 reverse split) and is now NXA. The stock trades for all of 1 cent on the TSX Venture. After the historical reverse splits, the original 1500 shares would be just 5 shares currently, and the new reverse split will likely wipe those out completely. The current transfer agent is Computershare (www.computershare.com) who you can contact to confirm this information.