bearer bond certificates

A bearer bond certificate is a physical document that represents a debt owed by a company or government to the holder. The key aspect is that it is payable to whoever physically possesses the certificate, meaning ownership is transferred simply by handing it over. These bonds typically pay periodic interest, and the principal is returned at maturity. Because ownership is based on physical possession, bearer bonds are less common today due to security concerns and the shift to electronic records. They serve as a form of investment, providing income through interest while the actual bond certificate functions as proof of investment.