A Nigerian thrift vendor has become an overnight internet sensation after discovering foreign currency hidden in a bale of bags at one of Lagos's largest secondhand markets.
The Unexpected Discovery at Katangua Market
The woman, who operates on TikTok as @katanguathriftsguide, made the surprising find while assisting a customer at Katangua market in Lagos. According to her account, she was opening a bale of bags to grade them when she stumbled upon the foreign notes tucked inside one of the items.
In her excitement, the vendor initially misidentified the currency, believing she had found 6,000 Chinese Yuan which she estimated would be worth approximately 1.3 million Naira. She documented her discovery in a TikTok video that quickly captured public attention.
Internet Users Correct Currency Misidentification
As the video gained traction online, sharp-eyed social media users were quick to point out that the currency wasn't Chinese Yuan but actually Korean won from the Bank of Korea. The notes shown in her video featured 1,000 and 5,000 denomination markings clearly indicating their South Korean origin.
The actual value of her discovery turned out to be significantly less than her initial estimate. When converted to Nigerian currency, the 6,000 Korean won amounted to approximately N5,933 – a far cry from the 1.3 million Naira she had anticipated.
Mixed Reactions and Similar Stories
The online community responded with a mixture of amusement, advice, and shared experiences. One user commented: "That's Korean won not yuan. You can clearly see it written on the money." Another joked: "I go run away with the money leave bags if I see this."
This incident isn't isolated in Nigeria's thriving thrift market scene. The article recalls a previous story about another vendor, Christabell Wambiu, who found 500 euros in her bale of clothes, demonstrating that such unexpected discoveries occasionally happen in the secondhand goods trade.
Despite the currency mix-up and the modest actual value, the vendor expressed gratitude that the customer she was assisting allowed her to keep the equivalent of 1,000 won from the discovery, turning an ordinary day at the market into a memorable experience.
