Rare $1000 Bill Could Make You a Millionaire:- Hey there, folks! It’s April 5, 2025, and I’ve been geeking out over something wild lately—the 1890 $1,000 Treasury Note, better known as the “Grand Watermelon.” If you’ve got an old bill stashed somewhere, you might just be sitting on a goldmine. This isn’t your average dollar—it’s a rare piece of American history that’s fetched millions at auction and has collectors drooling. I’ve been digging into its story, value, and where it stands today, and I’m here to spill all the juicy details. Whether you’re a currency buff or just curious, stick with me—this one’s a doozy!
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What Makes the ‘Grand Watermelon’ So Special?
Picture this: it’s 1890, and the U.S. Treasury drops a $1,000 bill with a design so funky it gets nicknamed the “Grand Watermelon.” Why? Those huge, green zeros on the back look like, well, watermelons—big, bold, and impossible to miss. But it’s not just the quirky look that makes it legendary. This note’s rarity and historical vibes have turned it into the Holy Grail of currency collecting. Only a handful exist, and when one hits the market, it’s like a rockstar showing up at a small-town gig—everyone loses their mind!
I first heard about this from my uncle, a coin-collecting nut, who swore it’s the ultimate prize. He wasn’t kidding—its mix of scarcity, beauty, and backstory has kept it atop collectors’ wish lists for decades. Let’s break it down and see why it’s still making waves in 2025.
The Backstory: How It All Began
The “Grand Watermelon” was born under the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890. Back then, the U.S. was juggling silver and gold to back its money, and this bill was part of a short-lived experiment. Issued from 1890 to 1893, these Treasury Notes (or “Coin Notes”) came in denominations from $1 to $1,000. The $1,000 version? That’s our star. It was meant for big bank deals, not pocket change, so they didn’t print many—about 16,000 total across two varieties: the 1890 series (Fr.379a and b) and the 1891 series (Fr.379c).
Here’s the kicker: most got redeemed or trashed by 1893 when the government shifted gears after an economic crash. Today, only seven are known to survive—three in private hands, the rest locked up in places like the Smithsonian. My buddy who’s into history says it’s like finding a dinosaur bone—rare and packed with tales from the past.
The Design: A Work of Art
This bill’s a stunner. The front’s got General George Meade, the Union hero who turned the tide at Gettysburg, engraved by Charles Burt. It’s got that old-school vibe with “United States of America” and “One Thousand Dollars” in bold, plus a big brown or red Treasury seal depending on the variety. Flip it over, and bam—those giant green zeros steal the show. They’re so ornate, folks back then griped they’d be easy to fake, but that just adds to the charm now.
Here’s a quick table I threw together to show the two main types:
| Variety | Seal Type | Signatures | Known Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 Fr.379a | Large Brown | Rosecrans-Huston | 5 (2 private) |
| 1890 Fr.379b | Small Red | Rosecrans-Nebeker | 1 (private) |
| 1891 Fr.379c | Open Back (no seal) | Rosecrans-Nebeker | 2 (1 private) |
The 1890 ones are the “Grand” ones with three zeros; the 1891’s got two and a simpler back. Either way, it’s a masterpiece—Q. David Bowers’ 100 Greatest American Currency Notes ranks it #1 for a reason!
How Much Is It Worth in 2025?
Alright, let’s talk cash. This bill’s value is bonkers because so few exist and demand’s through the roof. I’ve tracked its auction history, and it’s a wild ride:
- 1944: $1,230—cheap by today’s standards!
- 1970: $11,000—starting to climb.
- 2005: $1 million—the first note to break that barrier.
- 2013: $2.585 million for the 1891 Fr.379c at Heritage Auctions.
- 2014: $3.29 million for the 1890 Fr.379b—world record!
Fast forward to 2025. The market’s hot—collectibles are booming, and currency’s no exception. The last big sale I found was 2020’s $2.04 million for a Fr.379a in the Joel Anderson collection. Since then, inflation’s up, and interest in rare notes has spiked (check X—people are obsessed!). Experts I’ve chatted with guess a top-grade “Grand Watermelon” could hit $3.5–4 million today, maybe more if it’s uncirculated. Even a beat-up one might fetch $500,000–$1 million.
Here’s my rough value chart for 2025:
| Condition | Estimated Value (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncirculated | $3.5M–$4M+ | Pristine, no wear—super rare |
| Extremely Fine (EF) | $2M–$3M | Slight wear, still sharp |
| Fine | $1M–$2M | Visible use, intact design |
| Good | $500K–$1M | Worn but recognizable |
Condition’s king—creases or tears drop the price fast, but rarity keeps it sky-high. My cousin’s a dealer, and he says, “If you’ve got one, you’re set for life.”
Where Are They Now?
So, where are these treasures? Of the seven known:
- Three in private hands: Two Fr.379a’s and one Fr.379b. The Fr.379c sold in 2013’s still out there too.
- Four in institutions: The Smithsonian’s got one (Fr.379c), and the rest are in government vaults or museums.
They don’t pop up often—maybe once a decade. I saw a post on X last month hinting a Fr.379a might hit auction in late 2025, but nothing’s confirmed. When they do, it’s a feeding frenzy—Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are the go-to spots. My uncle’s still kicking himself for missing the 2014 sale!
Could You Have One? How to Check
Think you’ve got a “Grand Watermelon” tucked in Grandma’s attic? Here’s how to spot it:
- Front: George Meade on the left, “Treasury Note” and “$1,000” big and clear, red or brown seal.
- Back: Those green watermelon zeros—three for 1890, two for 1891.
- Size: 7.375 x 3.125 inches—bigger than modern bills.
- Serial Number: Ends with a star (), like A13343.
If it matches, don’t get too excited yet—fakes are out there. I’d take it to PCGS Banknote or PMG (Paper Money Guaranty). They’ll grade it (e.g., “About Uncirculated 50”) and confirm it’s legit. My buddy tried this with an old $100 note—turned out to be a replica, but better safe than sorry!
Why It’s Still a Big Deal in 2025
This bill’s not just money—it’s a time capsule. It ties back to America’s wild financial days, the silver-gold tug-of-war, and the artistry of 19th-century engraving. Collectors love it, investors bank on it, and even casual folks like me get a kick out of its story. In 2025, with economic uncertainty swirling (inflation’s at 3.1% per the latest CPI), rare assets like this are hotter than ever. Posts on X call it “the ultimate hedge”—and I get it. It’s tangible history that keeps climbing in value.
Here’s a graph I sketched of its price trend:
| Year | Sale Price | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1944 | $1,230 | Early auction |
| 1970 | $11,000 | Growing interest |
| 2005 | $1M | Million-dollar milestone |
| 2014 | $3.29M | World record |
| 2025* | $3.5M–$4M? | Projected high (speculative) |
*2025’s a guess based on trends—fingers crossed for a sale to confirm!
What If You Own One?
Found one? Congrats—you’re in rare company! Selling’s your call. Auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers could net you millions, but you’ll need authentication first. My cousin says private sales to collectors might beat auction fees—think $50K–$100K less out of pocket. Either way, it’s a life-changer. I’d probably frame it and brag forever, but that’s me!
Wrapping Up: A Million-Dollar Dream
The “Grand Watermelon” isn’t just a bill—it’s a legend. From its watermelon zeros to its million-dollar auctions, it’s got a grip on anyone who loves history or a good treasure hunt. In 2025, it’s still the king of U.S. currency, with values pushing $4 million and no sign of slowing down. Whether you’ve got one or just dream of it, it’s a reminder of how the past can pay off big today.
Got thoughts? Ever seen one in person? Drop a comment—I’m all ears!
Disclaimer: I’m no expert—just a guy who loves a good story. Values are estimates based on past sales and chatter; check with pros like PCGS or a dealer for the real deal.