The advent of easily purchased, sophisticated metal detectors has proven to be a windfall for treasure hunters, especially in history-rich countries such as England. In the fall of 2017, two amateur treasure hunters found two well-preserved gold Roman coins, known plurally as “solidii,” in separate locations near the village of Meonstoke in southern England. The exact location is secret. Britain defines “treasure” as anything more than 300 years old. The treasure hunters reported their find, which is good since British law says it’s illegal to keep and profit from what you find. Those “nighthawks” (so-called because they often work at night) can be sentenced to three months in prison and heavy fines. After an official investigation, the coins were determined to be legitimate treasures, joining the recent ranks of other items found, including Viking and pre-Viking swords.
I do not understand how the British government is allowed to commandeer the treasures found on private property by legal treasure hunters. What is the rationale the government gives? What’s mine is mine and what is yours is mine? I know treasure hunters receive a reward, but it is an amount much less than the value of the find. If the treasure was located on government owned lands the law would be justified. But taking ownership of the treasure is theft. Most valuable items would find their way to museums or be otherwise displayed eventually, if that is the government priority. Or the government could simply agree display the find with permission of the owner at no cost and profit in that manner. But the finder would remain the owner.
I am guessing much that is found is quietly sold and leaves the country in defiance of this unfair law.