Free tool · England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Treasure reporting deadline calculator
Possible Treasure must be reported to the coroner within 14 days. Enter the day you found it, or the day you realised it might be Treasure, to see the last day to report it.
General guidance, not legal advice. The deadline uses your device's time zone.
Who to tell
In England and Wales, report possible Treasure to the coroner through your local Finds Liaison Officer (Portable Antiquities Scheme). In Northern Ireland, report it to the Curator of Archaeology at National Museums NI. Tell them what you found, where (an 8-figure grid reference: try the grid reference converter) and when, and keep the find safe and uncleaned.
What counts as Treasure
- Objects at least 300 years old that are at least 10% gold or silver.
- From the same find: two or more coins at least 300 years old that are at least 10% gold or silver, or ten or more other coins of that age.
- Prehistoric objects with any gold or silver, and two or more prehistoric base-metal objects found together.
- Since 30 July 2023: objects at least 200 years old, made at least partly of metal, that give an exceptional insight into national or regional history, archaeology or culture.
Treasure belongs to the Crown. If a museum acquires it, the reward is normally shared equally between finder and landowner, unless you've agreed otherwise.
The full definitions are in the Treasure Act 1996 and the Treasure Act Code of Practice. If you're not sure, report it: the Finds Liaison Officer will tell you whether it's Treasure. Rules for other countries are on detecting laws by country.
Questions
When do the 14 days start?
From the day after you found the object. If you only realised later that it might be Treasure, the 14 days start on the day you realised. Either way, the deadline is the end of the 14th day.
Who do I report possible Treasure to?
To the coroner for the district where it was found. In England and Wales, contact your local Finds Liaison Officer of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, who reports it to the coroner for you. In Northern Ireland, report it to the Curator of Archaeology at National Museums NI, who tells the Coroners Service.
What counts as Treasure?
Under the Treasure Act 1996 and the orders made under it: objects at least 300 years old that are at least 10% gold or silver; groups of coins of that age from the same find; prehistoric objects with any gold or silver, or groups of prehistoric base-metal objects; and, since 30 July 2023, metal objects at least 200 years old that give an exceptional insight into history, archaeology or culture. If in doubt, report it.
What if I've missed the deadline?
Report it now. Failing to report Treasure without a reasonable excuse is an offence, so contact your Finds Liaison Officer straight away and explain the delay.
Does this apply in Scotland?
No. Scotland has Treasure Trove law instead: every archaeological find, of any material or value, must be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit, usually within four weeks.