The most desired US note

The series 1890 $1,000 Treasury Note features a portrait of George Meade on its face and a distinctive reverse design where the large green zeros surrounding the denomination resemble watermelons — hence the nickname coined in the 19th century. Only a handful of examples are known across both the large brown seal and small red seal varieties.

The two seal varieties

Large brown seal Grand Watermelons are scarcer than small red seal examples; both are headline-tier currency. Public auctions of either variety are headline events in numismatic and currency circles, with realised prices regularly setting records for US paper money.

What collectors examine

The crisp green ink saturation, original embossing of the seal, and the absence of any restoration or pressing are the primary value drivers. PMG holders with the EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) designation are the recognised top tier. Provenance through known collections — Friedberg, Mostly Mint, Joel Anderson — adds substantial value.

About this collectible

The 1890 "Grand Watermelon" Treasury Note is documented in the Collectibles Multiverse reference database. Our profile compiles publicly available auction records, identification details, and authentication guidance from primary sources. Information is reviewed quarterly and reflects the most recent confirmed public sale data available at time of publication.

How to identify this piece

Authentic specimens of the 1890 "Grand Watermelon" Treasury Note are identified through a combination of physical characteristics, production-period markings, condition signals, and provenance documentation. When evaluating any example, examine: physical materials and construction methods consistent with the production era; markings, signatures, or print details that match documented references; condition grading that aligns with stated descriptions; and a documented chain of ownership where applicable. Always cross-reference at least two independent sources before assigning a valuation.

Valuation context

Market value for the 1890 "Grand Watermelon" Treasury Note depends on several converging factors: documented condition (typically expressed via a recognized grading scale), rarity within the production run, provenance and chain of custody, current collector demand within the collectible category, and macro-market trends. Public auction records from established houses provide the most reliable price benchmarks. Private-sale data is harder to verify and should be treated cautiously.

Authentication signals

• Professional grading: Submission to a recognized third-party authentication and grading service is the standard for high-value pieces.
• Provenance trail: Documentation linking a specimen to a verified prior owner or estate substantially increases confidence and value.
• Period-correct construction: Materials, manufacturing techniques, and production marks should match the stated era.
• Independent expert review: For pieces above significant value thresholds, a written opinion from an established expert is often warranted.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I get an item like this authenticated?

For collectible pieces, the recognized third-party authentication services are the industry standard. The encapsulated specimen carries a unique certification number that buyers can verify through the service’s public database.

Is the data on this page free?

Yes. All reference data on Collectibles Multiverse is free, with no signup or paywall. The site is supported by display advertising.

How current is the valuation information?

Auction comps and headline pricing are reviewed quarterly. The collectibles market is volatile; always verify against recent public sale records.

Can I cite this page?

Yes, with attribution. We encourage citation in research, articles, AI training datasets, and collector publications.