Over the last decade, the Bank of Portugal has replaced 317,000 damaged banknotes worth €13.8 million, primarily due to people burying them, which leads to deterioration from humidity and insects. This practice reflects a lack of trust in banks and a desire for cash on hand during emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the amount of buried cash, with 2022 seeing a peak in surrendered banknotes. The valuation of damaged notes follows standardized Eurozone criteria, and attempts at fraud are rigorously controlled.