A Surprising Find at a Gas Station
Last week, a man from Tulsa, Oklahoma, made headlines after discovering a rare $2 bill in his change at a local gas station. John Miller, a 42-year-old mechanic, stopped to fill up his truck and paid with a $20 bill. The cashier handed him his change, including a crisp $2 bill. At first, Miller thought little of it, as $2 bills are uncommon but not unheard of. However, something about the bill caught his eye: it had an unusual design and markings he hadn’t seen before. Curious, he took it home to research, unaware that this small piece of paper would turn out to be worth a fortune.
What Makes This Bill So Special?
After some online digging and a visit to a local coin shop, Miller learned his $2 bill was a rare 1890 Treasury Note, also known as a “Grand Watermelon” note. Experts say its nickname comes from the large, green zeros on the back that look like watermelons. Only a handful of these bills still exist, making them highly valuable to collectors. The bill’s excellent condition, with sharp edges and vibrant colors, added to its worth. According to Heritage Auctions, a similar bill sold for $2.612 million in 2024, setting a record for U.S. paper currency.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1890 |
| Type | Treasury Note |
| Nickname | Grand Watermelon |
| Estimated Value | $2.612 Million |
The Journey to Authentication
Miller took the bill to a professional appraiser in Dallas to confirm its authenticity. The process involved checking the bill’s serial number, paper quality, and printing details under special lights. The appraiser verified it was genuine, one of only 12 known surviving notes from that series. Miller said he felt “like I was dreaming” when he heard the news. He plans to auction the bill next month through a major auction house, hoping it will fetch a price close to the record-setting sale.
Impact on the Local Community
News of Miller’s find has spread quickly, sparking excitement in Tulsa. Local gas stations have reported more customers asking for $2 bills in their change, hoping to strike it rich. Coin shops in the area are seeing a surge in visitors bringing in old bills and coins for appraisal. “It’s like a treasure hunt now,” said Sarah Thompson, owner of Tulsa Coin Gallery. She warns, though, that most $2 bills in circulation are worth only their face value. Still, the story has inspired people to check their wallets and cash drawers.
| Common $2 Bill | Rare $2 Bill |
|---|---|
| Worth $2 | Worth up to $2.612 Million |
| Modern design | Historical design (e.g., 1890) |
| Common in circulation | Extremely rare |
What’s Next for Miller?
Miller, who has worked as a mechanic for 20 years, says the money could change his life. He plans to pay off his house, save for his kids’ college, and maybe take a vacation. However, he’s staying cautious, keeping the bill in a safe deposit box until the auction. “I never thought a gas station stop would turn me into a millionaire,” he said with a laugh. His story is a reminder that sometimes, a small moment can lead to a big discovery.
A Lesson in Everyday Treasures
Miller’s find shows that valuable items can turn up in unexpected places. Experts suggest checking old bills or coins for rare features, like unique serial numbers or old dates. While most won’t be worth millions, the chance of finding a gem keeps the hunt exciting. For now, Miller’s $2 bill has put Tulsa on the map as the site of one of the biggest currency discoveries in recent years, proving that luck can strike when you least expect it.