UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSRS

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act File Number 811-179

Name of registrant as specified in charter: Central Securities Corporation

Address of principal executive offices:
630 Fifth Avenue
Suite 820
New York, New York 10111

Name and address of agent for service:
Central Securities Corporation, Wilmot H. Kidd, President
630 Fifth Avenue
Suite 820
New York, New York 10111

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 212-698-2020

Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2010

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2010



Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION


SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

JUNE 30, 2010



CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION

(Organized on October 1, 1929 as an investment company, registered as such with the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940.)

TEN YEAR HISTORICAL DATA

Year
Total
net
assets
Per Share of Common Stock
Net realized
investment
gain
Unrealized
appreciation
of investments
Net
asset
value
Net
investment
income(A)
Dividends(B)
Distributions(B)
1999 $590,655,679      $35.05                           $394,282,360    
2000 596,289,086   32.94   $.32   $.32   $4.03   $65,921,671   363,263,634  
2001 539,839,060   28.54   .18   .22   1.58 * 13,662,612   304,887,640  
2002 361,942,568   18.72   .14   .14   1.11   22,869,274   119,501,484  
2003 478,959,218   24.32   .09   .11   1.29   24,761,313   229,388,141  
2004 529,468,675   26.44   .11   .11   1.21   25,103,157   271,710,179  
2005 573,979,905   27.65   .28   .28   1.72   31,669,417   302,381,671  
2006 617,167,026   30.05   .36   .58   1.64   36,468,013   351,924,627  
2007 644,822,724   30.15   .38   .52   1.88   42,124,417   356,551,394  
2008 397,353,061   17.79   .39   .36   2.10   43,582,234   94,752,477  
2009 504,029,743   22.32   .29   .33   .32   7,663,021   197,256,447  
Six mos. to                            
June 30, 2010** 499,948,837   22.22   .25   .17   .03   3,596,589   190,046,813  

A - Excluding gains or losses realized on sale of investments.
B - Computed on the basis of the Corporation’s status as a “regulated investment company” for Federal income tax purposes. Dividends are from undistributed net investment income. Distributions are from net long-term investment gains.
*        Includes a non-taxable return of capital of $.55.
**        Unaudited.

     The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE Amex under the symbol CET. On June 30, 2010, the market quotations were: $18.31 low, $18.51 high and $18.37 last sale.

[ 2 ]



To the Stockholders of
     CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION:

     Financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2010 reviewed by our independent registered public accounting firm and other pertinent information are submitted herewith.

     Comparative net assets are as follows:

June 30,
2010
(Unaudited)

December 31,
2009

Net assets $ 499,948,837   $ 504,029,743  
Net assets per share of Common Stock   22.22     22.32  
         Shares of Common Stock outstanding   22,502,416     22,585,259  
             
         Comparative operating results are as follows:            
   
Six months ended June 30,
2010
(Unaudited)

2009
(Unaudited)

Net investment income $ 5,527,889   $ 3,457,135  
         Per share of Common Stock   .25 *   .15 *
Net realized gain (loss) on sale of investments   3,596,589     (451,241 )
Increase (decrease) in net unrealized appreciation of investments   (7,209,633 )   31,889,796  
Increase in net assets resulting from operations   1,914,845     34,895,690  

*      Based on the average number of Common shares outstanding during the period.

     A distribution of $.20 per share of Common Stock was paid on July 12, 2010 to stockholders of record as of June 25, 2010. Stockholders will be sent a notice concerning the taxability of all 2010 distributions early in 2011.

     During the first six months of 2010, the Corporation repurchased 82,843 shares of its Common Stock at an average price per share of $18.04. The Corporation may from time to time purchase Common Stock in such amounts and at such prices as the Board of Directors deem advisable in the best interests of stockholders. Purchases may be made on the NYSE Amex or in private transactions directly with stockholders.

     Stockholders’ inquiries are welcome.

  CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
  WILMOT H. KIDD, President
630 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10111
July 21, 2010
 

[ 3 ]



TEN LARGEST INVESTMENTS

June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)

Cost
Value
Percent of
Net Assets

Year First
Acquired

(millions)
The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc. $ 2.2    $ 168.0    33.6 % 1982
Coherent, Inc.   22.9     28.5   5.7   2007
Agilent Technologies, Inc.   21.9     26.2   5.2   2005
Analog Devices, Inc.   9.4     18.9   3.8   1987
Brady Corporation   2.3     18.7   3.7   1984
Convergys Corporation   24.8     16.7   3.3   1998
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation   12.2     16.7   3.3   1993
Intel Corporation   2.3     15.8   3.2   1986
Murphy Oil Corporation   1.0     13.9   2.8   1974
Roper Industries, Inc.   4.7     12.9   2.6   2003

DIVERSIFICATION OF INVESTMENTS

June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)

Percent of Net Assets
Issues
Cost
Value
June 30,
2010

December 31,
2009*

Common Stocks:                            
   Insurance 2     $ 2,610,297   $ 168,455,000   33.7 % 30.6 %
   Technology Hardware and                        
      Equipment 6     84,503,440     80,551,000   16.1   15.2  
   Diversified Industrial 6     40,829,747     64,081,900   12.8   14.3  
   Semiconductor 4     26,799,058     49,781,640   10.0   7.9  
   Energy 7     47,306,303     45,217,600   9.1   9.9  
   Banking and Finance 4     20,425,228     25,301,137   5.1   4.5  
   Software and Services 2     38,678,911     24,636,600   4.9   5.3  
   Other 10     45,209,280     38,384,200   7.6   8.4  
Short-Term Investments 1     7,586,444     7,586,444   1.5   3.8  

*      Reclassified for comparative purposes.

[ 4 ]



PRINCIPAL PORTFOLIO CHANGES

April 1 to June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
(Common Stock unless specified otherwise)

  Number of Shares
  Purchased
Sold
Held
June 30,
2010

Aerogroup International, Inc.      8,751 (a) 20,000   
Analog Devices, Inc. 178,000       678,000  
Arbinet Corporation     750,000 (b) 250,000  
CEVA, Inc. 303,100       803,100  
Dover Corporation     100,000   290,000  
Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. 300,000       400,000  
Murphy Oil Corporation     10,000    280,000  
RadiSys Corporation 5,200       1,190,000  

(a)      Tender offer.
(b)      Reverse stock split (1 for 4).

[ 5 ]



STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)

COMMON STOCKS 99.3%

Shares
        Value
    Banking and Finance 5.1%    
675,000        The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation $ 16,665,750
237,700        Home Federal Bancorp, Inc.   3,002,151
100,000        JPMorgan Chase & Co.   3,661,000
310,100        NewStar Financial, Inc. (a)   1,972,236
     
        25,301,137
     
    Commercial Services 0.6%    
400,000        Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. (a)   3,220,000
     
         
    Diversified Industrial 12.8%    
750,000        Brady Corporation Class A   18,690,000
200,000        Carlisle Companies Inc.   7,226,000
290,000        Dover Corporation   12,119,100
200,000        General Electric Company   2,884,000
100,000        Precision Castparts Corporation   10,292,000
230,000        Roper Industries, Inc.   12,870,800
     
        64,081,900
     
    Energy 9.1%    
100,000        Cenovus Energy Inc.   2,579,000
200,000        Devon Energy Corporation   12,184,000
100,000        EnCana Corporation   3,034,000
2,000,000        GeoMet, Inc. (a)(b)   2,280,000
660,000        McMoRan Exploration Co. (a)   7,332,600
280,000        Murphy Oil Corporation   13,874,000
200,000        Nexen Inc.   3,934,000
     
        45,217,600
     
    Health Care 3.2%    
120,000        Abbott Laboratories   5,613,600
100,000        Johnson & Johnson   5,906,000
100,000        Medtronic, Inc.   3,627,000
260,000        Vical Inc. (a)   806,000
     
        15,952,600
     
    Insurance 33.7%    
10,000        Erie Indemnity Co. Class A   455,000
70,000        The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc.    
         Class A (b)(c)   168,000,000
     
        168,455,000
     
    Retailing 1.3%    
20,000        Aerogroup International, Inc. (a)(c)   455,000
230,000        Walgreen Co.   6,141,000
     
        6,596,000
     

[ 6 ]



Shares
       Value
    Semiconductor 10.0%      
678,000        Analog Devices, Inc. $ 18,889,080  
803,100        CEVA, Inc. (a)   10,119,060  
810,000        Intel Corporation   15,754,500  
300,000        Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.   5,019,000  
     
 
        49,781,640  
     
 
    Software and Services 4.9%      
1,700,000        Convergys Corporation (a)   16,677,000  
990,000        Xerox Corporation   7,959,600  
     
 
        24,636,600  
     
 
    Technology Hardware and Equipment 16.1%      
920,000        Agilent Technologies, Inc. (a)   26,155,600  
831,000        Coherent, Inc. (a)   28,503,300  
630,000        Flextronics International Ltd. (a)   3,528,000  
350,000        Motorola, Inc. (a)   2,282,000  
1,190,000        RadiSys Corporation (a)   11,328,800  
3,230,000        Sonus Networks, Inc. (a)   8,753,300  
     
 
        80,551,000  
     
 
    Telecommunication Services 2.5%      
250,000        Arbinet Corporation (a)   1,990,000  
200,000        AT&T Inc.   4,838,000  
280,000        Vodafone Group Plc   5,787,600  
     
 
        12,615,600  
     
 
              Total Common Stocks      
                   (cost $306,362,264)(d)   496,409,077  
 
                   SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 1.5%      
            
    Money Market Fund 1.5%      
7,586,444        Fidelity Institutional Money Market      
              Government Portfolio (cost $7,586,444)(d)   7,586,444  
     
 
                   Total Investments (cost $313,948,708)(d)
                    (100.8%)
  503,995,521  
                   Cash, receivables and other assets      
                        less liabilities (.8%)   (4,046,684 )
     
 
                   Net Assets (100%) $ 499,948,837  
     
 

(a)      Non-dividend paying.
(b)      Affiliate as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(c)      Valued based on Level 3 inputs – see Note 3.
(d)      Aggregate cost for Federal tax purposes is substantially the same.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 7 ]



STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)

ASSETS:     
    Investments:             
        General portfolio securities at market value            
            (cost $290,503,346) $ 326,129,077        
        Securities of affiliated companies (cost $15,858,918)            
            (Notes 6 and 7)   170,280,000        
        Short-term investments (cost $7,586,444)   7,586,444   $ 503,995,521  
 
     
    Cash, receivables and other assets:            
        Cash   150,847        
        Dividends and interest receivable   292,239        
        Office equipment and leasehold improvements, net   166,113        
        Other assets   111,320     720,519  
 
 
 
            Total Assets         504,716,040  
             
LIABILITIES:            
    Dividend payable   4,501,143        
    Payable for securities purchased   96,651        
    Accrued expenses and reserves   169,409        
 
     
            Total Liabilities         4,767,203  
       
 
NET ASSETS       $ 499,948,837  
       
 
NET ASSETS are represented by:            
    Common Stock $1 par value: authorized            
        30,000,000 shares; issued 22,595,859 (Note 3)       $ 22,595,859  
    Surplus:            
        Paid-in $ 283,556,378        
        Undistributed net gain on sales of investments   3,596,589        
        Undistributed net investment income   1,838,859     288,991,826  
 
     
    Net unrealized appreciation of investments         190,046,813  
    Treasury stock, at cost (93,443 shares of Common Stock)            
        (Note 3)         (1,685,661 )
       
 
NET ASSETS       $ 499,948,837  
       
 
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE            
    (22,502,416 shares outstanding)       $ 22.22  
       
 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 8 ]



STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the six months ended June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)

INVESTMENT INCOME    
Income:            
    Dividends from affiliated companies (Note 6) $ 4,764,200        
    Dividends from unaffiliated companies (net of            
        foreign withholding taxes of $14,798)   2,419,616        
    Interest   4,420   $ 7,188,236  
 
     
Expenses:            
    Investment research   391,618        
    Administration and operations   623,775        
    Occupancy and office operating expenses   252,592        
    Directors’ fees   76,750        
    Franchise and miscellaneous taxes   62,933        
    Legal, auditing and tax preparation fees   51,745        
    Software and information services   50,454        
    Stockholder communications and meetings   43,375        
    Travel and related expenses   30,817        
    Transfer agent, registrar and custodian fees and expenses   29,909        
    Miscellaneous   46,379     1,660,347  
 
 
 
    Net investment income         5,527,889  
 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)            
    ON INVESTMENTS            
Net realized gain from investment transactions   3,596,589        
Net decrease in unrealized appreciation of investments   (7,209,633 )      
 
     
    Net loss on investments         (3,613,044 )
       
 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM            
    OPERATIONS       $ 1,914,845  
       
 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 9 ]



STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

For the six months ended June 30, 2010
and the year ended December 31, 2009

Six months
ended
June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)

Year ended
December 31,
2009

FROM OPERATIONS:              
    Net investment income $ 5,527,889   $ 6,378,588  
    Net realized gain from investment transactions   3,596,589     7,663,021  
    Net increase (decrease) in unrealized            
        appreciation of investments   (7,209,633 )   102,503,970  
 
 
 
            Increase in net assets resulting            
                from operations   1,914,845     116,545,579  
 
 
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS FROM:            
    Net investment income   (3,743,904 )   (7,291,046 )
    Net realized gain from investment transactions   (757,239 )   (7,189,387 )
 
 
 
            Decrease in net assets from distributions   (4,501,143 )   (14,480,433 )
 
 
 
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: (Note 3)            
    Distribution to stockholders reinvested in Common Stock       5,486,120  
    Cost of Treasury shares purchased   (1,494,608 )   (874,584 )
 
 
 
            Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital            
                share transactions   (1,494,608 )   4,611,536  
 
 
 
                    Total increase (decrease) in net assets   (4,080,906 )   106,676,682  
NET ASSETS:            
    Beginning of period   504,029,743     397,353,061  
 
 
 
    End of period (including undistributed net investment income            
        of $1,838,859 and $54,874, respectively) $ 499,948,837   $ 504,029,743  
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 10 ]



STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
    Net increase in net assets from operations        $ 1,914,845   
    Adjustments to net increase in net assets            
        from operations:            
        Purchase of securities $ (21,997,789 )      
        Proceeds from securities sold   6,669,266        
        Net sales of short-term investments   11,474,158        
        Net realized gain from investment transactions   (3,596,589 )      
        Decrease in unrealized appreciation of investments   7,209,633        
        Depreciation and amortization   25,668        
        Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
            Increase in dividends and interest receivable   (94,425 )      
            Increase in other assets   (32,730 )      
            Increase in payable for securities purchased   35,672        
            Decrease in accrued expenses and reserves   (194,271 )      
 
     
        Total adjustments         (501,407 )
     
 
Net cash provided by operating activities         1,413,438  
             
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:            
    Treasury shares purchased   (1,543,533 )      
 
     
Cash flows used in financing activities         (1,543,533 )
     
 
Net decrease in cash         (130,095 )
Cash at beginning of period         280,942  
     
 
Cash at end of period       $ 150,847  
     
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:          
Non-cash financing activities not included herein consist of:            
    Dividends payable at end of period $ 4,501,143        
    Payable for Treasury shares purchased $ 60,979        

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 11 ]



NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Unaudited)

     1. Significant Accounting Policies — Central Securities Corporation (the “Corporation”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Corporation in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Security Valuation — Marketable securities are valued at the last or closing sale price or, if unavailable, at the closing bid price. Investments in money market funds are valued at net asset value per share. Other short-term investments are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Securities for which no ready market exists are valued at estimated fair value by the Board of Directors.

Federal Income Taxes — It is the Corporation’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its stockholders. In addition, management has analyzed positions taken on the Corporation’s tax returns and has determined that no provision for income taxes is required in the accompanying financial statements. The Corporation’s Federal income tax returns for the current and previous three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Actual results may differ from such estimates.

Other — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date, and cost of securities sold is determined by specific identification. Dividend income and distributions to stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued daily.

     2. Fair Value Measurements — The Corporation’s investments are categorized below in three broad hierarchical levels based on market price observability as follows:

     The designated Level for a security is not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in that security.

[ 12 ]



NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued (unaudited)

     The Corporation’s investments as of June 30, 2010 are classified as follows:

Valuation Inputs
Investments in Securities
Level 1 $ 335,540,521   
Level 2    
Level 3   168,455,000  
 
 
Total $ 503,995,521  
 
 

     No investments were transferred between Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2010. The following is a reconciliation of assets for which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

Balance as of December 31, 2009 $ 154,324,886  
Net realized gains and change in unrealized      
    appreciation of investments included in net      
    increase in net assets resulting from operations   14,329,199  
Sales   (199,085 )
 
 
Balance as of June 30, 2010 $ 168,455,000  
 
 

     The change in unrealized appreciation of Level 3 investments held at June 30, 2010 included in the above table was $14,229,000.

     The Corporation’s Level 3 investments are valued by the Board of Directors. These valuations are primarily based on comparable company valuation analysis, a discounted future cash flow model and/or a review of independent appraisals. Consideration is also given to corporate governance, marketability, recent private transactions, company and industry outlooks and general market conditions. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the price used by other investors or the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.

     3. Common Stock — The Corporation purchased 82,843 shares of its Common Stock in the first six months of 2010 at an average price of $18.04 per share, representing an average discount from net asset value of 19.0%. It may from time to time purchase Common Stock in such amounts and at such prices as the Board of Directors deem advisable in the best interests of the stockholders. Purchases will only be made at less than net asset value per share, thereby increasing the net asset value of shares held by the remaining stockholders. Shares so acquired may be held as treasury stock available for stock distributions, or may be retired.

     4. Investment Transactions — The aggregate cost of securities purchased and the aggregate proceeds of securities sold during the six months ended June 30, 2010, excluding short-term investments, were $21,997,789 and $6,669,266, respectively.

     As of June 30, 2010, based on cost for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for all securities were $248,235,161 and $58,188,348, respectively.

[ 13 ]



NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued (unaudited)

     5. Operating Expenses — The aggregate remuneration paid during the six months ended June 30, 2010 to officers and directors amounted to $770,083, of which $76,750 was paid as fees to directors who were not officers. Employees also participate in a profit sharing retirement plan. Contributions to the plan are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and each participant’s benefits vest after three years of employment. No contributions were made to the plan for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

     6. Affiliates — The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc. and GeoMet, Inc., are affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Corporation received dividends of $4,764,200 from Plymouth Rock. Unrealized appreciation related to affiliates increased by $13,360,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 to $154,421,082. The President of the Corporation is a director of Plymouth Rock.

     7. Restricted Securities — The Corporation from time to time invests in securities the resale of which is restricted. The Corporation does not have the right to demand registration of the restricted securities. On June 30, 2010, such investments had an aggregate value of $168,455,000, which was equal to 33.7% of the Corporation’s net assets. Investments in restricted securities at June 30, 2010, including acquisition dates and cost, were:

Company
Shares
Security
Date Acquired
Cost
Aerogroup International, Inc. 20,000 Common Stock 6/14/05 $     11,965    
The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc. 60,000 Class A Stock 12/15/82 1,500,000  
The Plymouth Rock Company, Inc. 10,000 Class A Stock 6/9/84 699,986  

     8. Operating Lease Commitment — The Corporation has entered into an operating lease for office space which expires in 2014 and provides for future minimum rental payments in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.4 million as of June 30, 2010. The lease agreement contains escalation clauses relating to operating costs and real property taxes. Future minimum rental commitments under the lease are $170,903 remaining for 2010, $341,806 annually in 2011-2013 and $170,903 in 2014.

     9. Bank Line of Credit — Effective May 3, 2010, the Corporation entered into a $25 million uncommitted, secured revolving line of credit with UMB Bank, n.a. (“UMB”), the Corporation’s custodian. All borrowings are payable at any time by demand of UMB. Interest on any borrowings is payable monthly at a rate based on the federal funds rate. The Corporation had no borrowings during the period ended June 30, 2010.

[ 14 ]



FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

     The following table shows per share operating performance data, total returns, ratios and supplemental data for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2009. This information has been derived from information contained in the financial statements and market price data for the Corporation’s shares.

     The Corporation’s total returns reflect changes in market price or net asset value, as applicable, and assume reinvestment of all distributions. Distributions that are payable only in cash are assumed to be reinvested at the market price or net asset value, as applicable, on the payable date of the distribution or on the last day of the period if the payable date occurs after period-end. Distributions that may be taken in shares are assumed to be reinvested at the price designated by the Corporation.

Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2010
(Unaudited)

2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Per Share Operating Performance                                        
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.32   $ 17.79   $ 30.15   $ 30.05   $ 27.65   $ 26.44  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income*   .25     .29     .39     .38     .36     .28  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                                    
    on securities*   (.15 )   4.89     (10.29 )   2.12     4.26     2.93  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Total from investment                                    
            operations   .10     5.18     (9.90 )   2.50     4.62     3.21  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less:                                    
Dividends from net investment income   .17     .33     .36     .37     .36     .28  
Distributions from capital gains   .03     .32     2.10     2.03     1.86     1.72  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Total distributions   .20     .65     2.46     2.40     2.22     2.00  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.22   $ 22.32   $ 17.79   $ 30.15   $ 30.05   $ 27.65  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per share market value, end of period. $ 18.37   $ 17.98   $ 14.40   $ 26.84   $ 26.65   $ 23.80  
Total investment return, market(%)   2.88     26.97     (39.63 )   9.86     21.31     14.04  
Total investment return, NAV(%)   .45     30.15     (32.66 )   9.35     18.55     13.75  
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                                    
Net assets, end of period(000) $ 499,949   $ 504,030   $ 397,353   $ 644,823   $ 617,167   $ 573,980  
Ratio of expenses to average net                                    
    assets(%)   .64   .91     .66     .59     .53     .54  
Ratio of net investment income to                                    
    average net assets(%)   2.14   1.49     1.43     1.21     1.23     1.02  
Portfolio turnover rate(%)   1.32     7.94     11.04     19.58     17.55     15.83  

*      Based on the average number of shares outstanding during the period.
†      Annualized, not necessarily indicative of full year ratio.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

[ 15 ]



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF
    CENTRAL SECURITIES CORPORATION

     We have reviewed the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the statement of investments, of Central Securities Corporation as of June 30, 2010, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, cash flows and financial highlights for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010. These interim financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of Central Securities Corporation’s management.

     We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

     Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the interim financial statements and financial highlights referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

     We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the statement of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2009 and financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2009, and in our report dated February 2, 2010 we expressed an unqualified opinion on such statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights.

  KPMG LLP
 
New York, NY
July 21, 2010
 

[ 16 ]



OTHER STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION

Direct Registration

     The Corporation utilizes direct registration, a system that allows for book-entry ownership and the electronic transfer of the Corporation’s shares. Stockholders may find direct registration a convenient way of managing their investment. Stockholders wishing certificates may request them.

     A pamphlet which describes the features and benefits of direct registration, including the ability of shareholders to deposit certificates with our transfer agent, can be obtained by calling Computershare Trust Company at 1-800-756-8200, calling the Corporation at 1-866-593-2507 or visiting our website: www.centralsecurities.com under Contact Us.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

     The policies and procedures used by the Corporation to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and the Corporation’s proxy voting record for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2010 are available: (1) without charge, upon request, by calling us at our toll-free telephone number (1-866-593-2507), (2) on the Corporation’s website at www.centralsecurities.com and (3) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

[ 17 ]



Quarterly Portfolio Information

     The Corporation files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and the third quarter of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Corporation’s Form N-Q filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Those forms may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

     The annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation was held on March 10, 2010. At the meeting, all of the directors of the Corporation were reelected by the following vote of the holders of the Common Stock:

  In Favor
Withheld
Simms C. Browning 19,658,513 1,058,708   
Donald G. Calder 19,847,437 869,784  
David C. Colander 19,664,673 1,052,548  
Jay R. Inglis 19,642,818 1,074,403  
Wilmot H. Kidd 19,821,101 896,120  
C. Carter Walker, Jr. 19,833,872 883,349  

     In addition, the selection of KPMG LLP as independent auditors of the Corporation for the year 2010 was ratified by the following vote of the holders of the Common Stock:

In Favor
Against
Abstain
20,568,045 81,632 67,544

[ 18 ]



BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wilmot H. Kidd, Chairman
Jay R. Inglis, Lead Independent Director
Simms C. Browning
Donald G. Calder
David C. Colander
C. Carter Walker, Jr.

OFFICERS

Wilmot H. Kidd, President
Marlene A. Krumholz, Vice President and Secretary
Lawrence P. Vogel, Vice President and Treasurer

OFFICE

630 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10111
212-698-2020
866-593-2507 (toll-free)
www.centralsecurities.com

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43069, Providence, RI 02940-3069
800-756-8200
www.computershare.com

CUSTODIAN

UMB Bank, n.a.
Kansas City, MO

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

KPMG LLP
New York, NY

[ 19 ]



Item 2. Code of Ethics. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Experts. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

Item 6. Investments.

(a) Schedule is included as a part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 7. Disclose Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Companies. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Period (a) Total
Number of
Shares (or
Units)
Purchased
(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share (or
Unit)
(c) Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
(d) Maximum
Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
Month #1 (January 1
through January 31)
7,400 $17.70 NA NA
Month #2 (February 1
through February 28)
49,843 $17.72 NA NA
Month #3 (March 1
through March 31)
0 NA NA NA
Month #4 (April 1
through April 30)
0 NA NA NA
Month #5 (May 1
through May 31)
11,800 $18.85 NA NA
Month #6 (June 1
through June 30)
13,800 $18.67 NA NA
Total 82,843 $18.04 NA NA



Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors since such procedures were last described in the Corporation’s proxy statement dated February 5, 2010.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of Central Securities Corporation (the “Corporation”) have concluded that the Corporation’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) are effective based on their evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

(b) There have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit. The information required by this Item is only required in an annual report on this Form N-CSR.

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Attached hereto.

(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not Applicable.

(b) Certifications of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Attached hereto.



SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Central Securities Corporation

By: /s/ Wilmot H. Kidd
Wilmot H. Kidd
President

July 29, 2010
Date

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capabilities and on the dates indicated.

By: /s/ Wilmot H. Kidd
Wilmot H. Kidd
President

July 29, 2010
Date

By: /s/ Lawrence P. Vogel
Lawrence P. Vogel
Vice President & Treasurer

July 29, 2010
Date