101 things in your attic that could be worth a lot of money

206. 24c Seal of the Declaration of Independence

Manufacturer: National Bank Note Company
original price: US$ 0.24*
Current value: US$ 625,000*

The 24c Declaration of Independence stamp was released in 1869 and far exceeded its original value. The green and violet seal was a fine example of engraving. Made by James Smillie, the stamp had forty-two people on it, all of which you would need a magnifying glass to see.

The 24c stamp was one of the first US pictorial stamps ever issued. The new series wanted to honor the history of the US Postal Service, starting with Ben Franklin and ending with Abraham Lincoln. Part of the reason for this renewed focus was in response to the ugliness of the Civil War.