The "Egyptian Crédit Foncier" was founded on February 15, 1880, with the approval of the Khedive of Egypt, to meet the growing demand for agricultural and real estate financing in the country. The company specialized in providing loans secured by land and real estate, becoming a cornerstone of Egypt's economic development during a period of modernization and reform. At the time, the company's share capital was £4,000,000 or Frs 100,000,000, divided into 200,000 shares of £20 or Frs 500 each.
The certificate shown in the image represents one-tenth of a "Foundation Part" to the bearer, issued in February 1905. These certificates were financial instruments that granted holders a share of the company's profits without interfering in day-to-day management.
Historical Context:
The issuance of this certificate occurred during a period of significant economic expansion in Egypt, when the country was trying to stabilize financially and modernize its agricultural and urban infrastructure. The Egyptian Crédit Foncier played a key role in this process, providing the necessary capital for important projects, such as the reclamation of agricultural land and the construction of buildings in growing cities like Cairo and Alexandria.
Historical Company Data:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Incorporation | 1880 |
| Registered Office | Cairo, Egypt |
| Share Capital at Incorporation | £4,000,000 or Frs 100,000,000 |
| Share Capital at Dissolution | Data not available |
| Year of Stock Exchange Admission | Data not available |
| Year of Delisting | Data not available |
| Year of Company Dissolution | Data not available |
| Turnover (reference year 1905) | Data not available |
Document Characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Certificate | One-tenth Foundation Part to Bearer |
| Certificate Number | 116 |
| Nominal Value | Not specified |
| Date of Issue | February 1905 |
| Signed by | Not clearly identifiable from the document |
| Artistic Elements | The certificate is characterized by elaborate architectural decoration in a neoclassical style, with geometric details and floral ornaments. |
| Typography | Imprimerie Chaix, Rue Bergère 20, Paris |
| Provenance | Data not available |
Artistic and Typographic Description:
The certificate is an excellent example of typographic and artistic design of the time, with a detailed frame that includes neoclassical elements and geometric motifs. The printing quality is very high, thanks to the renowned French printer Imprimerie Chaix of Paris, known for producing luxury financial documents. The use of orange color for some texts, along with a symmetrical structure, gives the document a solemn and prestigious appearance.
Provenance:
There is no specific information available about the provenance of this certificate. However, it was common for such titles to be held by wealthy investors, often international, who saw Egypt as an emerging market with great economic growth potential.
Valuation and Rarity:
This certificate can be considered rare, especially if well-preserved. Its value is increased not only by its artistic beauty and printing quality but also by its association with one of Egypt's leading financial institutions of the time. This makes it a highly sought-after piece among scripophily collectors.
Considerations for Collectors:
Collecting old financial documents, known as scripophily, is a practice that allows one to own a piece of history while also gaining a better understanding of the economic and social dynamics of past periods. This certificate from the "Egyptian Crédit Foncier" is a perfect example of how the financial sector was crucial for Egypt's economic development in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Collectors might consider framing these documents with quality materials to preserve their integrity while also enhancing their historical and artistic appeal.
Use as a Gift:
In addition to its historical and collectible value, this document can be considered a unique and valuable gift, ideal for those passionate about history, finance, or art. Whether for sophisticated décor, a personal collection, or as a signature gift, a historical certificate like this always adds a touch of elegance and depth.
Certificate of Authenticity:
An official certificate of authenticity can be requested for this document, which includes a historical register. To obtain this service, contact via email info@scripo.it. Additional documentation can increase the perceived value of the certificate.
All historical documents for sale are intended for collection purposes. The documents have no economic or financial value (no economic or financial value), images that are not of the historical document are representative of the company's object and the historical period of reference are not provided but can be freely downloaded from the website and printed.
