The $1,000 ‘Watermelon Bill’ from 1890: Why the Zeroes Look Like Fruit—and Cost Millions

The 1890 series $1,000 Treasury Note—officially known as the Grand Watermelon (Friedberg 379a/b)—earned its nickname from the massive green zeroes on the back of the note. The Treasury’s Chief Engraver crafted these zeroes with intricate Continue reading