Two earos was/were recklessly squandered

[Sped Tiger]

Could you tell me, please, which is correct and why?
1. The five euros Tom borrowed from George was/were recklessly squandered by the obligor.
2. Fifteen thousand yuan was/were found in my wall by the police.

 

[Tarheel]

1. were
2. were

 

[White Hat]

It should be 'euros' in the title.

 

[jutfrank]

In 2, I'd definitely use 'was'. I think it's strange to think of a sum of ¥15,000 as a plurality of things.

Basically, if you're thinking of the money as a sum, use a singular agreement. If you're thinking of each yuan as a single thing, use a plural agreement.

 

[Tarheel]

You could say, "A bunch of money was found in the wall. When it was all counted it came to 12,000 yuan."