That brings to memory a story from quite a few years ago. I bought some 1908 dated Bearer Bonds at an estate sale which I still have hanging over my computer now. They were from the Southern Traction Company and were $1000 bonds with interest coupons still attached. The interesting part was that the coupons were to be paid in gold coins! The best part (or worst part!) is that the company was bought out several times and during the last buyout they set a date for final redemption and I missed it by about 5 years. I still wonder what those certificates would be worth even at 5% for those 80 years much less if they had to pay off in gold. The fun is in the hunt - you never know what you will find.