The bond certificate you are looking at is a rare example of a document issued by Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México, one of the most important railway companies in Mexico at the beginning of the 20th century. Founded in 1908, the company was a cornerstone for the economic and social development of the country, with a railway network that connected Mexico's main cities, fostering trade and mobility.
Historical Context
The issuance of this bond occurred during a crucial period in Mexican history. Mexico was undergoing significant industrial transformation, with a notable expansion of its railway infrastructure, an ambitious project supported by the government of Porfirio Díaz. The country was experiencing economic growth, although with severe social disparities that would soon lead to the Mexican Revolution in 1910. This bond reflects the optimism of the time, a period when there was a strong belief in technological and industrial progress as a means to bring Mexico into modernity.
Company Historical Data
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of establishment | 1908 |
| Headquarters | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Name upon delisting | Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México |
| Year of stock market listing | 1909 |
| Year of delisting | 1951 |
| Year of company closure | 1991 |
| Initial capital | $50,000,000 |
| Final capital | $300,000,000 |
Bond Characteristics
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Face value | $100 U.S. Gold |
| Interest rate | 4% |
| Maturity | Sinking Fund |
| Bond type | Redeemable in gold |
| Currency | U.S. Gold, Mexican Pesos, Francs, Sterling |
| Signature | Signed by company officials |
| Year of issuance | 1907 |
| Printer | American Bank Note Company |
| Artist | Not specified |
Artistic and Typographic Context
The certificate features a decorative frame typical of the era, with neoclassical motifs and a central image representing the face of Porfirio Díaz, emphasizing the governmental importance of the railway project. The typography is elegant, using elaborate fonts that give the document an air of formality and prestige. The printing was done by the renowned American Bank Note Company, known for the quality and security of its productions.
Provenance
This document comes from a private collection and was acquired through an international auction specializing in scripophily. It is possible that it was previously owned by a foreign investor, given the international nature of the bonds issued in multiple currencies.
Valuation and Rarity
This bond is considered rare, especially in excellent condition like this specimen. Its rarity is enhanced by the fact that many of these documents were destroyed or lost during the Mexican Revolution. Compared to other railway bonds of the time, Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México is particularly sought after for its historical importance and its connection to one of the most tumultuous periods in Mexican history.
Tips for Scripophily Collectors
Collecting scripophily is a passion that allows you to own a tangible piece of history. This certificate, with its rich historical and artistic context, is a perfect example of how a simple document can tell stories of past eras. For collectors, it is essential to preserve these documents in controlled environments, preferably framed with non-reflective glass to avoid damage from light.
These documents are not only an investment for history lovers but also make unique gifts for special occasions, ideal for private collections, author decorations, or as elements of historical and modern art.
All historical documents for sale are considered collectibles. The documents have no economic or financial value (no economic or financial value); the images that are not of the historical document are representative of the company's object and the historical period of reference and are not provided, but can be freely downloaded from the website and printed.
