A Lucky Find at the Pump
A quick stop at a gas station in Tennessee turned into a life-changing moment for Emily Hayes, a 34-year-old nurse. Last month, Emily got a $2 bill as change while paying for gas and thought it looked neat, so she kept it in her wallet. That bill, a rare 1890 $2 Treasury Note, sold at auction for $2.349 million, shocking everyone. Her story, reported on June 20, 2025, has people across the U.S. checking their change, hoping to find a treasure hidden in plain sight.
A Bill Unlike Any Other
The 1890 $2 Treasury Note, also called a “Grand Watermelon” note for its large, green zeros that look like watermelons, is one of the rarest U.S. bills. Only a few dozen are known to exist, and Emily’s was in amazing condition, with crisp details and bright colors. Collectors prize these bills for their unique design and historical value, as they were part of America’s early paper money. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime find,” said currency expert Laura Patel. The bill’s rarity and condition made it a record-breaker at auction.
| Bill Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1890 |
| Type | $2 Treasury Note (Grand Watermelon) |
| Auction Value | $2.349 Million |
| Condition | Uncirculated |
| Rarity | Fewer than 50 Known |
From Wallet to Windfall
Emily didn’t know her $2 bill was special until she showed it to her cousin, a hobbyist collector, during a family dinner. “He freaked out and said it could be worth a lot,” Emily recalled. She took it to a currency dealer in Nashville, who confirmed it was a genuine 1890 Grand Watermelon note. After grading by a professional service, it was deemed one of the best-preserved examples ever found. Auction houses clamored to sell it, and bidders pushed the price to $2.349 million. “I’m still in shock,” Emily said. “It was just sitting in my wallet!”
Why This Bill Is a Big Deal
The 1890 $2 Treasury Note stands out for its bold design and scarcity. Issued during a time when paper money was new in the U.S., it features intricate artwork, including a portrait of James McCulloch, a Treasury official. Its nickname, “Grand Watermelon,” comes from the oversized green zeros on the back, a style unique to that era. “This bill is a piece of American history,” Patel said. “Finding one in gas station change is like winning the lottery.” Its near-perfect condition made it a collector’s dream, driving its massive auction price.
A New Chapter for Emily
The money from the auction is changing Emily’s life. She plans to pay off her student loans, buy a new car, and start a college fund for her two kids. “This feels like a miracle,” she said, tearing up. Her story has spread like wildfire, with people posting on social media about checking their $2 bills. Experts say other rare bills, like early Treasury Notes or low-serial-number $2 bills, could be out there. “Look closely at old currency,” Patel advised. “But always get it checked by pros to avoid fakes.”
Could You Find a Fortune?
Emily’s find has sparked a nationwide hunt for rare bills. Experts suggest checking $2 bills for unusual designs, low serial numbers, or old dates like the 1890s. While most $2 bills are worth only face value, a rare one could be hiding in your change. “You never know what’s in your wallet,” Patel said. “Gas stations, tip jars, or old drawers might hold the next big find.” For Emily, that $2 bill from a gas station wasn’t just change—it was a ticket to a brighter future and a reminder that treasures can turn up anywhere.
