Very early antique stock certificate for a share in The Anglo-California Gold Mining Company, one page, 8 x 7.5, issued to “Dennis Topham of Merrion Street, Leeds,” on April 8, 1853, for the full sum of 10 shillings. Signed at the conclusion by two directors and a secretary, and embossed in the lower right hand corner with the company seal. In fine condition.
This 1850’s gold mining stock was issued in England, and it represents Europe's response to the ‘Gold Rush,’ which began in California on January 24, 1848, when gold was discovered by James W. Marshall at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma. News of the discovery brought some 300,000 people rushing to California from the rest of the United States and abroad. Of the 300,000, approximately 150,000 (many from Europe) arrived by sea while the other half of them walked 1,500 miles overland. This very early stock allowed investors in England to participate in the Gold Rush from the safety of their homes.
