The practice of collecting old stock certificates is known as scripophily. Scripophily became popular as a hobby in the 1970s. Some people who collect old stock certificates are history buffs who get a thrill from owning a piece of paper that may have been handled by a famous financier. Others collect old stock certificates because many are beautifully illustrated, and aesthetically pleasing.

Collectors of old stock certificates typically build their collections around a theme. These themes may be based around industries, such as the airline or railroad industries, around a time period like the Civil War, or around an art style. Prices for individual items in a collection can range from a few pennies to several thousand dollars.

Collectors also prize the presence of a famous person's autograph on an old stock certificate. Most commonly these would be the autographs of well-known financial figures, such as John D. Rockeller or J.P. Morgan. An original signature of a noted person on an old stock certificate greatly increases its value.

Some people also collect relatively new stock certificates, such as those from failed dot com companies. Aside from their historical and decorative appeal, collectible stock certificates may have some investment value. On the other hand, because stock certificates are a relative latecomer to the field of serious collecting, it is difficult to know what the value of individual stock certificates is likely to be in the future. Some collectors are betting that because the hobby is relatively new, and likely to gain in popularity, that prices will become much higher later, and that their current purchases represent good values.