I was just thinking of hyperinflation. In Germany hyperfinlfation led to savings being destroyed, but anyone who had his savings (or better debt) in his house was ok. The government only expropriated savers, not owners of real stuff. Afterall, in most countries exporpiration by the government is illegal, inflation not.

An ex-colleague of mine in Munich had a grandfather who owned a whole street in Munich. During the height of the hyperinflation he sold it for many many millions. They actually found a whole chest full of money after he died tucked away in the basement. Everytime my colleague tells that story he gets really sad because today the rent would suffice to easily pay for anything he could ever dream of. So he is still working and paying off his house...