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Who Owns Metal Detecting Finds? Understanding the Law in the UK

  • Writer: Holly
    Holly
  • Aug 18
  • 4 min read

Updated: Aug 20


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It’s the dream moment: your detector gives off a strong, repeatable signal, you dig carefully, and something exciting emerges from the soil. But then comes the big question — who actually owns it?

In the UK, the answer is not as simple as “finders keepers.” Ownership of metal detecting finds is governed by a mix of property law, the Treasure Act 1996, and agreements made with landowners. For beginners, understanding these rules is essential to avoid misunderstandings and to keep the hobby on the right side of the law.


The Golden Rule: Landowners Own What’s Found

If you’re detecting on private land with permission, the starting point is clear: the landowner owns what is in their soil. Unless you have an agreement that says otherwise, anything you find belongs to them.

This is why most responsible detectorists use finds agreements with landowners. These documents set out how finds will be handled — whether you keep everything, split items of value, or share rewards from any Treasure cases. Written agreements protect both sides and prevent disputes.

Without permission, detecting is trespassing. And if you remove items without consent, it can be treated as theft.


The Treasure Act 1996

The Treasure Act 1996 is the most important piece of legislation for UK detectorists. It defines what counts as Treasure and what must be legally reported.

Treasure includes:

  • Objects at least 10% precious metal (gold or silver) and at least 300 years old.

  • Hoards of coins more than 300 years old, regardless of metal content.

  • Groups of coins containing gold or silver, even if less than 300 years old, if they come from the same find.

  • Items deliberately hidden with the intention of recovery that are not returned to their owner.

If you discover Treasure, you must report it to the local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) within 14 days. The FLO is part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), which records finds and advises on Treasure cases.

If an item is declared Treasure, a coroner’s inquest decides its fate. Museums often have the chance to acquire it, paying a reward usually shared between the finder and the landowner.


The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)

Even if a find isn’t Treasure, archaeologists encourage reporting it to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). This voluntary scheme records coins, buckles, brooches, and other archaeological finds made by detectorists.

Why bother? Because even small or common finds help build the archaeological record. A single medieval coin may not seem significant on its own, but if hundreds are recorded across a region, it paints a detailed picture of trade and settlement.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) keeps the hobby connected to archaeology, showing that detectorists can contribute positively to historical research.


What About Modern Finds?

If you find a modern object, such as a lost ring, you should try to return it to its rightful owner. Keeping something that can be identified as belonging to someone else could be considered theft.

In practice, detectorists often hand modern jewellery to local police stations if the owner cannot be traced.


Finds on Beaches

Most UK beaches fall under the Crown Estate, which grants permission for detecting under published terms. But this does not mean you own what you find. Modern coins and non-Treasure items are usually yours to keep. However, if you recover Treasure or significant archaeological objects, the same laws apply: report them to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and follow the Treasure Act 1996.


Finds on Land Without Permission

It cannot be repeated enough: if you detect without permission, you have no rights to what you find. In fact, the law treats the removal of objects without consent as theft.

Detecting illegally also risks damaging the reputation of the hobby and can lead to prosecution. Responsible detectorists always secure permission and follow the Treasure process properly.


Sharing Finds with Landowners

Most detectorists operate on the basis of trust and fairness with landowners. Common agreements include:

  • A 50/50 split of proceeds from valuable finds.

  • Finder keeps all modern coins and low-value items, while anything significant is shared.

  • Written agreements clarifying Treasure rewards are split equally.

These arrangements vary, but the key is transparency. Clear communication builds long-term permissions and strengthens relationships with landowners.


Why This Matters

Understanding who owns metal detecting finds isn’t just about staying legal. It’s about showing respect:

  • Respect for the landowner who allowed you access.

  • Respect for the history buried in the ground.

  • Respect for the wider detectorist community, whose reputation depends on responsible behaviour.

By following the rules and reporting finds, detectorists become trusted custodians of history rather than opportunistic treasure hunters.


Final Thoughts

The excitement of discovery is only the beginning. What matters next is handling finds correctly. In the UK, the law is clear: landowners own what’s in their soil, the Treasure Act 1996 dictates what must be reported, and the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) provides a way to record finds for the benefit of history.

If you follow these rules, your finds not only connect you to the past — they also contribute to the nation’s shared story.


Sources & Further Reading

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