R.F.O. WEALTH ADVICE

27 Last century, more precisely in 1977, the term “Scripophily” was coined for the first time to indicate a specific type of collection. The term includes the prefix “ Scrip ” meaning a tem- porary title certificate and “ philos ” a Greek word indicating a loved object. Scripophily is a rather recent type of collection and at the same time it is so unique that it is drawing a growing national and international interest. It is a true piece of history of each individual company. Over time such companies have either remained independent, have been acquired, have merged with other compa- nies or have ceased operation. Hence the interest of collectors. Indeed, each title, in addition to the technical char- acteristics such as the type of paper used, the colour or illustrations which in some cases are the work of famous engravers or artists of the period, the vignette, the illustration, the historical period, the handwritten signature of a famous person, the date, state of conser- vation. Also includes the signatures, stamps, name of the holder and transfers, name of the notary, coupons and other important data allowing the document to be linked to a specific historical period and thus to the social, political and economic context of its issuance on the market. One also finds the history of family capitalism. There is the history of industry, arts and the professions and more often than not the tale of family fortunes and failures. THE COLLECTION