Dutch East India Company 1606 Stock Certificate – Reproduction with Original NYSE Letter

Own a piece of financial history with a meticulously reproduced 1606 Dutch East India Company (VOC) stock certificate. This rare artifact was painstakingly recreated by NYSE Euronext to celebrate the merger of the NYSE with Euronext. Printed in 2006 and issued to employees in 2007, it marks a pivotal moment in stock market history.

What makes this certificate extraordinary is its provenance and craftsmanship. It was exclusive to commemorate the merger and was produced by the only wind-powered paper mill in the Netherlands, still making paper by hand using 17th-century methods with rag-based fibers. Each certificate has a unique serial number embossed in the lower right and its own distinguishing handmade features.

This VOC certificate comes with the original letter from NYSE Euronext and is hand-signed by Joost van der Does de Willebois, then Chairman of Euronext Amsterdam.

Additional context you’ll love: The Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or VOC) was the world’s first multinational company and helped finance early naval expeditions. VOC shares contributed to the world’s first stock exchange, and Henry Hudson’s voyages under VOC sponsorship laid groundwork for Manhattan’s future, originally named New Amsterdam.

Pop culture note: There are only 7 known stock certificates of the Dutch East India Company with the latest just discovered in 2015 in the Amsterdam City Archives. This certificate, issued to Dirck Pietersz Straetmaker on December 8, 1606, was long considered the oldest stock certificate in the world and is actually quite famous. Besides it’s own historical significance, the original certificate was the target of George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the movie Ocean's Twelve. We believe they borrowed the share from the Amsterdam Stock Exchange to make this reproduction.

VOC 1606 Stock Certificate – Handcrafted Reproduction

• Certificate Serial: 01215 ( embossed lower right )
• Provenance: Includes original NYSE Euronext letter
• Signature: Hand-signed by Joost van der Does de Willebois (Chairman, Euronext Amsterdam)
• Size: Approximately 12" x 8.25"
• Printing/Manufacture: Printed December 2006 for a 2007 merger commemorative release
• Condition: Excellent; as pictured
• Shipping: Signature required on delivery; item ships insured

Why This Certificate Matters

• Historical significance: The VOC pioneered the world’s first multinational corporation and helped establish early stock markets
• Provenance & authenticity: Includes original NYSE Euronext letter and an autograph from the Euronext Amsterdam chairman
• Display-ready & collector value: Highly detailed certificate ideal for offices, libraries, or museum-grade displays
• Provenance anecdotes: The certificate’s fame stretches into pop culture lore via Ocean’s Twelve

Display, Gifting & Inclusions

An extraordinary gift for historians, financial professionals, museum curators, and avid collectors. Includes the original NYSE Euronext letter and a hand-signed signature, offering a tangible connection to early market history. Signature is required on delivery; ships insured.

Specifications