The origin of Guilder Shares can be traced back to The Netherlands in the mid-1980s. At the time, the country strictly regulated the trading of shares. Businesses were prohibited from issuing their own shares on the Dutch stock exchange, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, without special permission.

Unable to issue their own shares on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, companies found a way to gain exposure to overseas investors. Dutch companies began to issue New York Shares, or Guilder Shares, which could be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). By listing their shares on the NYSE, Dutch companies could attract American and international investors.

The concept behind Guilder Shares was popular among Dutch companies, as it offered them access to a new pool of capital and exposure to investors worldwide. Additionally, by listing their shares on the NYSE, companies were able to increase the liquidity of their shares and gain access to improved trading volumes and prices.

Guilder Shares were a new way for Dutch companies to access capital and overseas markets that were previously restricted. The ability to list on the NYSE provided an avenue for Dutch companies to get exposure to international investors and potentially improve their liquidity. It also removed the need for Dutch companies to comply with Dutch regulations and restrictions for listing on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

Not all companies that listed as Guilder Shares on the NYSE were successful. Due to their international exposure and lack of oversight from Dutch regulations, some Companies had difficulty meeting their financial obligations and eventually experienced financial difficulty. Despite their risks, Guilder Shares provided an avenue for Dutch companies to access capital and gain international exposure.

Today, Guilder Shares are no longer traded on the NYSE. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange has since lifted the restrictions on listing shares on its exchanges, meaning that companies can now list their shares without having to issue New York Shares. Despite their discontinuation, Guilder Shares remain an important chapter in the history of the Netherlands and its efforts to attract overseas investment.