Coroners also have responsibility for enquiries into treasure finds.
All 'treasure trove' (basically gold and silver, which was originally hidden and where the owner cannot now be found) belongs to the Crown and, when discovered, is subject to an inquest at a coroner's court to establish the circumstances of its loss or deposition.
Treasure is any object at least 300 years old when found which:
- Is not a coin but has metallic content of which 10 percent by weight is precious metal.
- Is one of at least two coins in the same find area of which 10 percent by weight is precious metal.
- Is one of at least ten coins in the same find area.
- Does not fall within the specific categories given above but would have qualified as treasure trove. This object has to be made substantially of gold or silver; has to have been buried with the intention of recovery; and its owner or his/her heirs must be incapable of being traced.
If you find something that you think may be treasure you should contact your local museum in the first instance.
Separate leaflets giving information about treasure are available from the Coroner's Office.
