What are some ways of authenticating a stock certificate?

A stock certificate is authenticated upon verification of the unique number imprinted on its face by the issuing corporation or by its successor. This identifier confirms the name of the registered owner along with the certificate’s legitimacy and status, according to Zacks Investment Research.

If unable to locate the original corporation, the certificate holder can contact the business registration office for the incorporation state identified on the certificate. Alternatively, a listed stock transfer agent is qualified to authenticate the document. Other research resources include public libraries, personal financial brokers and stock research companies, as noted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.