Expanding on this tangent, it was closer to $300 in goods (as well as indefinite food and lodging for anyone in the tribe and a tacit assumption of military aid). Assuming just the tangible assets were invested in the most obvious way at the time, (dutch east india company being the most notable publicly traded company.) the dividend rate averaged 18% until 1796. If you compound with 18% for the first 170 years then 5% after, it would be more than enough to buy back Manhattan at it's current property value!