Government finances have always been problematic. This is quite evident from the first city accounts in 1380. A popular source of income consisted of taxes on products such as wine and beer. Earnings were relatively easy to generate in the Golden Age due to increasing prosperity. This became far more difficult as tax incomes dropped and expenses (such as care for the poor) kept growing. This money chest was owned by the city of Utrecht and served to hold coins. The wooden chest, finely decorated with flower motifs and landscapes, has been strengthened with iron strips, and the lid has intricate locks.