It is always more secure to have your certificates in hand, safety deposit,,,,whatever...In fact, as most of you know, it is a relatively recent phenominon to leave your holdings in street name with a broker. (strictly for convenience and costs for brokerage firm) I never had a problem with a good client calling for a trade on a stock he held his ``certs`` on. Never took a loss.

Holding means more security in case ridiculous events transpire, like the brokerage firm going under...Try and get you certificates from a BK firm....Not easy....

I wouldn`t put my holdings in a safety deposit box in Timbuctoo but my bank is 3 minutes away and my brokerage is right next door. When I make up my mind to make a trade it can be consumated in minutes. They know me and have no questions...For what its worth....