The Money Had Severe Water Damage
Even though he finally figured out the true purpose of the old rusted box in his backyard, there was a problem. The safe was not waterproof and many of the bills were severely damaged from years of neglect and exposure to the New York elements.
The cash was squished together from bad water damage, and Matthew realized that he had to work quickly if he had any chance of saving some of the money.
You won’t believe it, but there was more to be found in the safe.