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Treasure & Finds Policy

Effective Date: 15 May 2025

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At Legends Unearthed, we’re committed to responsible detecting that respects both history and the law. The following policy outlines how finds are handled during your trip, in line with UK legislation and ethical detecting standards.

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1. Legal Framework

All detecting activity is carried out with full landowner permission and is subject to UK law, including:

  • The Treasure Act 1996 (as amended in 2023)

  • The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)

  • Site-specific landowner agreements

We will explain these in more detail during your welcome briefing.

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2. What Counts as Treasure?

Under UK law, an item may be classed as Treasure if it falls into one of two categories:

A. Traditional Treasure (Original Definition)

An object is treasure if it is:

  • At least 300 years old, and

  • Made substantially of gold or silver, or

  • A group of 2 or more coins (if gold or silver), or

  • A group of 10 or more base-metal coins, or

  • A prehistoric metal hoard (of any composition)

B. New 2023 Class: Significant Finds

As of July 30, 2023, the following may also be classed as treasure:

  • Any metal object or coin that is at least 200 years old,

  • Regardless of material,

  • If it is deemed to have exceptional archaeological, historical, or cultural significance

These changes aim to protect significant finds that might not previously have met the precious metal criteria.

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3. Reporting Treasure

  • All suspected treasure must be reported within 14 days of discovery.

  • Reports are made to the local Coroner, typically through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS).

  • Our team will assist with identification, documentation, and reporting.

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4. Daily Finds Handling

Guests must:

  • Present all finds to the trip leader at the end of each detecting day

  • Not remove finds from the site without permission

  • Allow documentation for internal records, landowners, and the PAS

Transparency and collaboration help protect the future of the hobby.

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5. Landowner Agreements

Each site is governed by a formal or informal landowner agreement, which typically includes:

  • 50/50 split of non-Treasure finds of value between the finder and the landowner

  • Treasure proceeds are shared equally between finder and landowner, as mandated by law

We manage this process and ensure landowners are respected.

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6. Export of Finds

Guests from outside the UK should be aware that:

  • Some items require an export licence

  • These are issued by the Arts Council England

  • The application process can take several weeks or more

We will advise you on eligibility and provide guidance where possible.

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7. Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)

We actively support the PAS, which helps record and preserve finds for the public and the archaeological record.

All qualifying finds will be offered for voluntary recording — a contribution to UK heritage that you can be proud of.

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8. Code of Conduct

Guests agree to:

  • Detect only within permitted areas and times

  • Respect farmland and wildlife

  • Accurately report all finds

  • Never detect secretly, withhold finds, or fail to declare potential treasure

Non-compliance may result in removal from the trip and notification to relevant authorities.

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