I’m going through old files to scan and shred and came across a Xeroxed copy of an old stock certificate issued to my (now-deceased) in-laws. It’s definitely worth enough to pursue whether or not it was ever redeemed. I have a CUSIP number and a common stock number.
Any suggestions on what to do next?
You need to find a transfer agent. Look on the companies investor relations website or email them for who deals with paper.
The issue though is you do not have the certificate but simply a copy. You’ll have to ask them but not sure you’ll have a happy resolution.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
A few years ago I helped my Dad convert some old paper shares to electronic. (It was through Computershare, where he also had electronic shares for this employee purchase stock. ) It was surprisingly easy, except for one missing certificate. Computershare had a process for replacing the lost share.
Your case may be harder, if you don’t know if/where shares are registered .
Once you track down the correct transfer agent and determine whether or not the certificate has been cashed, you’ll have two more issues. One will be to prove inheritance and the other will be to deal with the lost original. Both will likely involve lots of proofs and notarized statements.
I’ve never been on Bogleheads but am willing to bet they get these kinds of questions all the time.
Step By Step Help For Cashing In On Old Stock Certificates - ExhibitIndexes.com.
And also…the original owners are deceased, with my DH and his brothers the heirs. Already went through Probate. But its a good chunk of money, so worth the effort I hope.
Thanks! I also think we will be unsuccessful, but am planning on trying!
Thanks for the link!!
It may not be easy and you may not have as much as you think. First thing is to check if the company still exists (and if it is the same company). For example, if you had original ATT shares they are not what you think, the Original ATT if I remember ended up in bad shape and they were bought by Southern Bell (one of the old “RBOCs” after the divestiture) and the stock became part of the New ATT, but it wasn’t one for one.
In theory as long as those stocks weren’t sold, there is a record of their ownership but it may take a bit to trace it. If you have any kind of a brokerage account (your DH or his siblings) they may be willing to help trace it for you.
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