[Editor: This insurance certificate, issued by the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia, was printed in 1919.]
The National Mutual Life Association of Australasia Limited.
Policy Number: 307794
On the Life of: R. B. Don
Original Sum assured 250 – –
Bonus declared as at 30th September, 1919 6 14 –
The above is not a Cash Bonus, but is payable at the Maturity of the Policy or at the death of the Person Assured, provided the Policy has been Two Years in force from 3.7.18 at the date of such death. Until the Policy has been two years in force from 3.7.18 the Bonus cannot be dealt with in any way
The Association reserves the right to correct any error in this Certificate
E. J. Stock,
General Manager and Actuary.
This certificate must be delivered up when the bonus is claimed.
Source:
Original document
Editor’s notes:
Dimensions (approximate): 226 mm. (width), 144 mm. (height).
The handwritten text in this document has been rendered in italics.
The reverse side of this certificate is blank.
Good day, I have a original bonus certificate 30th September 1936.
Is it worth anything?
As with any historical item, it depends on its condition, its age, how much interest there is in that type of item, and what people are willing to pay for it.
For a 1930s Bonus Certificate, as long as it is in good condition, it could sell for $10-$50; $25-$30 would be a reasonable price, whilst $50 would be at the high end of expectancy.
The general rule for ephemeral items is that the lower the price, the quicker it is likely to sell; conversely, you could set a higher price, although you may have to hang on to the item for a longer period in the hopes that it might sell. For example, I have seen books being offered at a very high price (for thousands of dollars), which have sold after being listed for several years.
This should not be regarded as definitive advice; for professional advice, I would suggest you consult an antiques dealer. ~ Ed.