Rare $2 Bill Found at Gas Station Valued at $2.349 Million A Simple Purchase Turned Into a Fortune What began as an ordinary fuel stop in Texas has turned into one of the most remarkable discoveries in American currency history. A customer, paying cash for gas, received a $2 bill as change—a bill that later turned out to be worth a staggering $2.349 million.
The man, who has chosen to remain anonymous, noticed the unusual note and decided not to spend it. Later research revealed he was holding a piece of history: an 1890 Series Treasury Note, famously known as the “Grand Watermelon” for its oversized green zeros that resemble watermelons on the back of the bill.
Why the “Grand Watermelon” $2 Bill Is So Valuable
To the casual observer, it might appear as just an old piece of paper money. But to collectors, this note is one of the rarest and most sought-after in U.S. history.
Key reasons it reached such a high value:
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Scarcity: Fewer than ten examples of this note are believed to exist today.
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Condition: Despite being circulated, this bill showed minimal wear, with no major tears or ink damage.
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Historical Value: Issued in 1890, it belongs to the short-lived era of large-sized U.S. currency, printed long before modern small bills.
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Unique Serial Number: The note carried an early-production, low-digit serial number—highly prized by collectors.
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Rare Signatures: Treasury officials’ signature variations made this note even more exclusive.
Back in 2014, a similar “Grand Watermelon” note sold for $2.04 million. With rising collector interest and inflation, this new discovery was appraised at $2.349 million.
The Forgotten $2 Bill – Still in Circulation
Although $2 bills are still legal tender and printed by the U.S. Treasury, they are rarely seen in everyday transactions. Many Americans assume they were discontinued, but in reality, they are simply not circulated as widely.
This Texas discovery has sparked renewed curiosity, with people digging through wallets, drawers, and old collections in hopes of finding a hidden treasure.
How to Spot a Rare Bill in Your Wallet
Not every $2 bill is worth millions, but some can be highly collectible. Here are signs that a bill could be more valuable than its face value:
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Unusual Serial Numbers – such as repeating digits, palindromes, or “00000001.”
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Older Series Dates – especially pre-1950, and particularly notes issued before 1929.
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Printing Errors – off-center prints, misalignments, or ink smears.
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Large-Sized Bills – U.S. notes printed before 1929 are much bigger than modern bills.
Even if your note isn’t a “Grand Watermelon,” it might still fetch hundreds—or even thousands—on the collector’s market.
A Record-Breaking Find
The $2.349 million bill now ranks among the most valuable $2 bills ever recorded. It serves as a reminder that extraordinary pieces of American history are sometimes hidden in plain sight.
Final Thought
In an age dominated by credit cards and digital wallets, this story proves that paper money still holds secrets—and sometimes, fortunes. The next time you receive change at a store or gas station, take a closer look. That humble $2 bill in your hand might not just buy a cup of coffee—it could change your life.