Inverted 1869 Declaration Of Independence

This striking stamp celebrates the United States' momentous declaration of independence. Thirteen American colonies engaged in a brutal conflict with Great Britain declared themselves independent states on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence is printed in two colors, green and violet, and is a small masterpiece in its own right. Artist John Smillie created an amazing and incredibly precise replica of John Trumbull's painting of the same name. The 24 cent stamp has a G grill and is available in split, double, or basic gum. A $275,000 sample with an inverted center is now available.

In 2008, a rare, unopened green and violet 24-cent stamp featuring an inverted picture of the signing of the Declaration of Independence sold for $1.2 million, shocking auctioneer Philip Weiss.

Price: $1.2 million