In a stunning twist of fate, a long-forgotten 1890 U.S. Treasury Note discovered in a New Jersey attic has sold for an incredible $1.4 million at auction. What was once tucked away as a relic of the past has now become a historic windfall for one unsuspecting family and a prized treasure for the world of rare currency collectors.
Historic Find in a New Jersey Attic
The remarkable discovery was made in a suburban New Jersey home, where a homeowner was cleaning out inherited belongings. Among the dusty boxes and aging books, a faded leather-bound volume revealed a carefully preserved note hidden between newspaper clippings and vintage postcards.
The note looked unusual, prompting the homeowner to take it to a local antique dealer. That decision would change everything. What appeared to be a sentimental keepsake was, in fact, a Series of 1890 $100 Treasury Note — one of the rarest pieces of American paper currency still in existence.
Why the 1890 Treasury Note Is So Valuable
Known among collectors as “Watermelon Notes” due to the large green zeroes on the back that resemble watermelon rinds, these Treasury Notes were issued during a very brief period between 1890 and 1891. Most were redeemed and destroyed decades ago, making surviving examples incredibly rare.
What set this particular note apart was its uncirculated condition. It showed no signs of wear, folds, or damage — a virtually pristine specimen. Currency experts confirmed that only a handful of these notes remain in such exceptional shape, placing it in the upper echelon of collectible U.S. paper money.
A Closer Look at the Note’s Features
- Series: 1890 $100 Treasury Note
- Nickname: “Watermelon Note”
- Condition: Uncirculated, pristine
- Rarity: One of only a few surviving examples
Intense Auction Bidding Drives Price Sky-High
Once authenticated, the note was listed by a nationally recognized auction house. Pre-sale estimates valued it between $900,000 and $1.2 million. However, demand quickly exceeded expectations.
Collectors and investors from across the globe joined the bidding war via phone and online platforms. After an intense final round, the note was sold for $1.4 million — one of the highest prices ever recorded for a Treasury Note at public auction.
A Rare Piece of American Financial History
The 1890 Treasury Note reflects a significant era in U.S. economic history. Issued to provide liquidity during a volatile financial period, these notes were redeemable in coin and featured elaborate engravings, making them both practical and artistic masterpieces of 19th-century currency design.
This particular find not only holds monetary value but also serves as a tangible reminder of America’s evolving financial system. It’s a collector’s dream and a historian’s delight.
Hidden Value in Everyday Places
This story is a powerful reminder that treasures can often be hidden in plain sight. Old books, family trunks, or attic boxes could contain rare and valuable items waiting to be rediscovered. Experts suggest that before discarding old currency, coins, or documents, individuals should consult a certified appraiser or antique dealer.
Stories like this inspire collectors to revisit their own collections and encourage homeowners to take a second look at seemingly ordinary heirlooms. You never know what piece of history might be tucked away in your home.
Final Thoughts: When History Meets Fortune
The $1.4 million sale of this rare 1890 Treasury Note shows how deeply history and value can intertwine. For the New Jersey family, it was an unexpected stroke of luck. For the numismatic community, it was the reappearance of a long-lost gem. And for everyone else, it’s a compelling reason to value and preserve pieces of the past.
If you have vintage currency or old documents stored away, now might be the perfect time to uncover their true worth. Sometimes, history really does come with a price tag — and a very large one at that.