On top of that this is certificate NUMBER 1. Issued to Sharon. Signed by Sharon as president and twice on reverse. Also signed by secretary AM Edgington. Datelined Virginia 1868. Incorporated on September 10, 1867 with the purpose of mining for gold and silver in the Gold Hill district and Devil's Gate district. The Territorial Enterprise reported on February 19, 1868 that the Bank of California (Sharon and Ralston) had applied for a patent for a streak of ground around 1,800 feet in length and 400 feet in width commencing at the old Waller's Defeat Mine and running south. Stock from this company was traded regularly in 1868. Sharon and the Bank of California were the boss of the Comstock in the 1860's and early 1870's. He was famous for strong-armed tactics and stock manipulation. Edgington was a mining superintendent, worked in a local mill and was a deputy sheriff. The Territorial Enterprise eulogized him, "[Edgington's funeral] was a lesson that a noble and generous life, though lived in humbleness and without ostentation, still makes an impression on the hearts of men." This certificate shows a real contrast in personalities! Researched story on the mining company (two pages) and biographies on Sharon and Eddington included.Date: 1868Country (if not USA): State: NevadaCity: Gold Hill, StoreyProvenance: Joe Elcano Nevada Mining Stock Collection