Representatives from the New York Stock Exchange recently traveled to Utrecht, Netherlands, to collect interest on a bond issued 400 years ago. The bond, originally valued at 1,200 Carolus guilders and issued on December 10, 1624, was created by the predecessor of the current water authority to fund repairs on a dyke breach along the Lek River.
As a perpetual bond, it continues to pay interest indefinitely. Since the last payment in 2001, €299.42 had accumulated. The New York representatives donated this amount to Museum Dijkmagazijn De Heul in Schalkwijk to support the preservation of the dyke's history.
This bond is considered the oldest in the world that still pays interest, highlighting the enduring nature of historical financial instruments.
Source: NOS News