Rare copy of Declaration of Independence sells for $477,650

A man bought a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence for only $2.48 and auction it off for $477,650.

Michael Sparks bought a copy of the Declaration of Independence last year from a thrift store for only $2.48. The copy was dated 1823 making it rare. Sparks walked into the thrift store and asked how much the rolled up document was and the clerk simply replied $2.48 plus tax. The document was one of 200 made by William Stone in 1823 when John Quincy Adam was secretary of State. Six people bid for the document by phone or on the Internet on Thursday at Rayhors Historical Collectible Auctions in Burlington. Bidding started at $125,000 and sold for $477,650. Sparks plans to use the money to buy a used car, get a sun room for his home, support his parents and make a donation to charity.