A quick stop at a Texas gas station turned into a jaw-dropping moment when a customer ended up with a $2 bill worth a staggering $2.349 million. Yep, you read that right—millions. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime stories that makes you want to go dig through your old wallet or junk drawer.
From Pocket Change to Million-Dollar Treasure
It all started like any other day. The customer, who’s chosen to stay anonymous, was just filling up their tank and paid with cash. Among the change, they got a $2 bill—something you don’t see too often these days. It caught his eye, so he tucked it away in his wallet to check out later. Smart move.
That night, curiosity got the better of him. When he looked at the bill more closely, he noticed something unusual. It wasn’t just any $2 bill—it was an 1890 Series Treasury Note, nicknamed the “Grand Watermelon” for the large green zeroes on the back that look like—you guessed it—watermelons.
Why the “Grand Watermelon” Is a Big Deal
For collectors, this is the holy grail of U.S. currency. Only a handful of these notes were ever printed, and even fewer have survived in good shape. The one found in Texas was in excellent condition—no tears, no major creases—almost unheard of for a note that old.
Even more exciting? Experts confirmed the bill had a low serial number from the earliest print run and rare Treasury Department signatures. Those details make it ultra-valuable to collectors.
What Makes This $2 Bill Worth Millions?
Several factors pushed this bill’s value into the stratosphere:
- Condition: Exceptionally well-preserved despite its age
- Rarity: Fewer than 10 known to exist today
- Historical Significance: A relic from the era before today’s standard-sized bills
- Market Demand: In 2014, a similar bill sold for $2.04 million—this one topped it thanks to stronger demand
Why Don’t We See $2 Bills More Often?
Despite being legal tender, $2 bills are pretty rare in circulation. The government still prints them, but they’re not widely used—some folks even think they’ve been discontinued. That’s part of what makes them so interesting: they’re hiding in plain sight.
This story has sparked a wave of curiosity. Suddenly, people are checking their wallets, piggy banks, and old shoeboxes. Could your next trip to the store end with a million-dollar surprise?
How to Spot a Valuable Bill
You don’t need to be a numismatist to find a rare note. Here are some clues to look for:
- Low or unique serial numbers (like 00000001 or 12345678)
- Older dates, especially anything before 1950
- Printing errors, like off-center text or ink smudges
- Oversized notes printed before 1929
Even if your find doesn’t rake in millions, it could still be worth hundreds—or thousands—depending on its rarity and condition.
A Reminder to Stay Curious
This $2 bill is now one of the most valuable pieces of paper currency ever discovered. And it didn’t come from a museum or a high-end auction—it came from a gas station register.
So the next time you get change, take a moment. That crumpled bill in your pocket might just be the start of an incredible story.