Mesa Petroleum Co Specimen Bond Certificate (1968) – T. Boone Pickens Jr. President
Own a standout piece of American energy history with this Mesa Petroleum Co specimen bond certificate,
printed in 1968. This collectible features T. Boone Pickens Jr. as President and is
marked “Last Specimen” on the back—an especially compelling detail for scripophily enthusiasts.
Why This Mesa Petroleum Specimen Bond Certificate Is Collectible
Specimen bond certificates are printer- and company-archived examples produced as perfect references for a stock/bond issue.
Unlike certificates issued to investors, specimen items are commonly identified by characteristics such as:
- a visible “specimen” stamp
- stamped holes spelling “specimen”
- serial numbers that may include a series of zeros
- or even no serial number
- sometimes representing a design that was never issued
These factors help explain why specimen certificates are often rarer than issued versions, making them highly sought
after by collectors who focus on scripophily.
T. Boone Pickens Jr. (President) – “Oracle of Oil” Legacy
Thomas Boone Pickens Jr. (1928–2019) was a legendary American oil tycoon, financier, and philanthropist.
He earned the nickname “Oracle of Oil” and became one of the most famous—and feared—corporate raiders of the 1980s.
Pickens helped shape corporate America through the shareholder revolution, advocating that management should prioritize
maximizing value for stock owners.
Mesa Petroleum Co: The Story Behind the Bond
Founded in 1956 by T. Boone Pickens, Mesa Petroleum grew from a small wildcatter operation into the
world’s largest independent oil and gas company. Mesa became especially well known in the 1980s for launching
high-profile takeover attempts against larger “Big Oil” rivals.
Mesa Timeline Highlights
- 1956: Pickens left Phillips Petroleum and helped establish what became Mesa Petroleum.
- 1964: The company went public and officially adopted the name Mesa Petroleum.
- 1969: Mesa merged with Hugoton Production Company, expanding its gas production base.
- 1980s “Corporate Raiding”: Mesa launched takeover bids against major rivals such as Cities Service, Gulf Oil, Phillips Petroleum, and Unocal—often using stock purchases to drive lucrative buyback premiums.
- 1985: Mesa reorganized into the Mesa Limited Partnership.
- 1996: Pickens resigned as chairman after gas price declines and activist pressure.
- 1997: Mesa merged with Parker & Parsley Petroleum to form Pioneer Natural Resources, later acquired by ExxonMobil.
Key Details on This Certificate
- Item Type: Mesa Petroleum Co Specimen Bond Certificate
- Printed: 1968
- President: T. Boone Pickens Jr.
- Back Marking: “Last Specimen”
