A simple stop at a gas station could turn into a life-changing moment if you spot a rare $2 bill worth millions. A 1890 $2 Treasury Note, nicknamed the “Grand Watermelon” for its unique design, recently sold for a staggering $2.612 million at auction in 2024. Collectors are now on high alert, as some of these ultra-rare bills might still be tucked away in wallets, cash registers, or old collections. Could you have one of these treasures hiding in plain sight?
A Bill with a Colorful History
The $2 bill has always been a bit unusual, rarely used in everyday cash transactions. First printed in 1862, it’s still legal tender today, but the 1890 Treasury Note stands out. Its back features large, green zeros that look like watermelons, giving it the “Grand Watermelon” name. With intricate red seals and detailed designs, it was a work of art from the U.S. Treasury. Only a few were made, and even fewer survived, making them a collector’s dream and one of the most valuable pieces of U.S. currency.
Why Is It Worth Millions?
The $2.612 million price tag comes from rarity and condition. Fewer than 1,000 of the 1890 $2 Treasury Notes were printed, and only a handful are known to exist today. The record-breaking bill was graded “Gem Uncirculated 65” by the Professional Money Grading Service (PMGS), meaning it’s nearly perfect, with crisp details and bright colors. Other rare $2 bills, like the 1869 “Rainbow Note” with vibrant inks or the 1880 Brown Seal, have sold for $500,000 to $1 million, but the Grand Watermelon is the king of them all.
| Key Details of the 1890 $2 Treasury Note | |
|---|---|
| Year Printed | 1890 |
| Nickname | Grand Watermelon |
| Key Feature | Green watermelon-like zeros |
| Top Auction Price | $2.612 Million (2024) |
| Known Surviving Notes | Fewer than 10 |
Could It Still Be Out There?
While most Grand Watermelon bills are in museums or private collections, there’s a slim chance one could turn up in circulation. $2 bills are still used occasionally, and older ones sometimes appear in cash transactions. In 2018, a gas station clerk in Texas found a worn 1890 $2 bill in change, later valued at $50,000 despite its condition. Stories like this keep collectors hopeful. You might find one in a cash register, an old family wallet, or even a thrift store purchase.
- Check the year: Look for “1890” on the front.
- Spot the design: Large green zeros on the back resemble watermelons.
- Look for seals: Red seals and serial numbers are a good sign.
- Check condition: Crisp, clean bills are worth more than worn ones.
- Compare to fakes: Authentic bills have fine details and raised ink.
How to Hunt for This Treasure
Start by checking places where cash changes hands, like gas stations, small shops, or flea markets. Look through old family heirlooms, like wallets or envelopes, where $2 bills might be stashed. Use a magnifying glass to confirm the year, seals, and watermelon design. Never clean or press a bill—it can ruin its value. If you think you’ve found a rare one, take it to a reputable currency dealer or grading service like PMGS or Currency Grading and Authentication (CGA). Auction houses like Stack’s Bowers can help sell it for top dollar.
A Dream Discovery for Everyone
The 1890 $2 Grand Watermelon bill is more than just money—it’s a piece of American history that could make you a millionaire. Its stunning design and extreme rarity have collectors and everyday folks dreaming of finding one. While the odds of spotting a $2.612 million bill in your change are low, the possibility keeps the hunt exciting. Next time you get a $2 bill at a gas station or store, take a closer look—you might just hold a fortune in your hands!
