A Dutch history student has unearthed what experts say is the world’s oldest share, dating back to 1606, in the Hoorn town archives.

The 150 guilder share was made out to Pieter Harmensz, who lived in the port town on Enkhuizen, on behalf of the Dutch East India Company.
The share, which predates the previous record holder by a few weeks, is now on show at the West Fries museum in Hoorn.
Trade in VOC shares eventually led to the foundation of the Amsterdam stock exchange.
According to the website worldsoldestshare.com, the public share subscription ended on September 1st 1602, giving everybody the chance to participate in the new venture.
Amongst the 538 Enkhuizen subscribers were remarkably numerous craftsmen, small entrepreneurs and citizens like Pieter Harmensz. Harmensz was given the share on making the final payment.