The most common causes of damage are fire, water, chemicals, explosives, animals, insects and rodents. Problems also arise when currency deteriorates or petrifies when it is buried. The bureau's caseload often increases when there are natural disasters, such as the recent floods in the Midwest, and the wildfires that ravaged some Western states last year. The government has some rules for paying people the full value for damaged greenbacks. More than 50 percent of a note identified as genuine U.S. currency must be present, or 50 percent or less can be present as long as the Treasury is satisfied that the missing portions have been totally destroyed.
Officials do that by looking at the method of mutilation and any supporting evidence.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing handles only cases involving currency and tends to deal with greenbacks in pretty bad shape. People with notes that are just dirty or worn should exchange them through their local bank. Damaged coins must be exchanged through the U.S. Mint, which has a similar program. Neither government agency charges people for replacing their cash. People can deliver their damaged bills in person or mail them.