The Monte de Piedad followed the pattern of other Monte de Piedads and became another of the Caja's social works (see CAJAS DE AHORRO EN VASCONIA). The free withdrawals of lots of less than 25 pesetas on Savings Day are good proof of this (a provision that became governmental on 4 January 1928). The progress of the modest economies can be seen in the operations carried out annually by the Monte, the more pawns, the greater the need, the higher the yields, the greater the economic prosperity. The pledges or jewellery that were not paid within the specified periods were sold at public auction, with the money obtained remaining at the disposal of the owner of the object sold for a further period of time, and going into the Monte's fund in the event of not being able to pay the credit and the accrued interest. The number of auctions held each year is proof of the Monte's success and of the needs of those who attended them, which sometimes prevented them from recovering the pawned items. In 1941 the amount of pawns amounted to 2,499,942 pesetas, and in 1956 to 6,927,871. As the standard of living of the Biscayan population improved over the years, the work of the Monte de Piedad became increasingly important.