Artscroll sheker? I never would have thought it Joseph; is that what you’re implying?
Joseph, did you hear the story directly from HaRav Aharon Kreiser ZT’L; or is it coming as a hand-me-down? Storytellers have a license to exaggerate for effect. The dowry could have grown in translation (the currency in Poland was zlotys, not dollars) and over the years; don’t forget, Yidden were very poor in Poland?