A stock certificate is a tangible document that symbolizes an investor's ownership in a company. This certificate is proof of the number of shares held by the investor and is issued by the company's registrar or transfer agent. It contains details such as the company's name, the shareholder's name, and the number of shares owned. As technology has advanced, paper stock certificates have largely been replaced by electronic records, making it easier for investors to manage their holdings. Nevertheless, stock certificates hold a historical significance and serve as a tangible reminder of one's ownership in a company.