British treasure law

[Tseeker]

I notice that on today's-July 7-Online Lost Treasure site, in the Tip of the day, that there is an article which indicates that in England all items over 50 years old must be turned over to authourities for evaluation first. I thought the limit was three hundred years old. Does anyone have any more info on this?

 

[jackintexas]

But my understanding is if they keep it for historical reasons the finder is paid market value for the items. .....Jack

 

[Tseeker]

I know that they pay for it if they keep it, but I thought that the condition did not come into play unless an item was at least 300 years old.

 

[Welsh Neil]

I am a detectorist in the UK and the law is that if the item consist of more than 10% precious metal and over 300 years old, its declareable. Single coins of silver and gold are not unless it is classed as a hoard (3or more as a rule in close proximity or pot, etc). As for the Roman/Saxon/Celt/Viking finds as long as they do not meet the reequirements above, they are not declarable.

All items that could be classed as Treasure have to be reported to FLO (Finds Liason Officer) within 14 days. The item then goes through the treasure process and is either returned to the finder or purchased by a museum (purchase price is split between finder and farmer)

Hope that helps

Neil

 

[Welsh Neil]

A few finds from Wales . . .

 

[Tseeker]

Thank you . I don't know where the author of that article came up with a 50 year mark unless he was confusing some of our own US laws with the british. Beautiful finds by the way. I would really love to have the opportunity to go to England where the official attitude toward the hobby is so much different.

 

[rmptr]

Very nice Neil,
Thanks for posting the pics!

Don't find much like that around here...

HH
rmptr