The United Kingdom, steeped in history is a haven for metal detecting finds. From Roman coins and ancient jewellery to medieval buckles and post-medieval artefacts, the potential discoveries are vast and varied.
Metal Detector Finds in the UK
For detectorists, the thrill of discovery often outweighs the monetary value of the find. The following are some of the most common and most desirable categories of finds in the UK:
Coins
Spanning centuries, British hammered coins can reveal much about the history of a particular region.
Older, rarer coins, such as Roman coins, Celtic, or Saxon coins in the UK, are particularly sought after.
Tokens
These small, round lead tokens were historically used in a variety of ways, such as local currency, tokens for trade, or as gaming pieces.
They’re often found using metal detectors in agricultural fields, old habitation sites, and other areas where people once gathered. Tokens can date back to Roman times through to more modern eras. Though not usually valuable in monetary terms, tokens offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of people from the past and are of significant historical and archaeological interest.
Roman brooches
Roman brooches, commonly found throughout the UK, are remnants of ancient fashion and craftsmanship. These decorative fasteners, often made from bronze, silver, or even gold, were used by the Romans to secure clothing, especially cloaks. Beyond their practical use, brooches had intricate designs, gems, and enamelling, reflecting the artistry and cultural tastes of the time.
For metal detectorists, discovering a Roman brooch is a rewarding experience, highlighting the rich history buried beneath our feet.
Jewellery
The Roman Empire, which spanned from 27 BC to 476 AD, left behind a rich tapestry of artefacts, among which Roman jewellery stands out as a symbol of their craftsmanship, wealth, and aesthetics.
Buckles
The medieval period, stretching roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, is a time often imagined as an era of knights, castles, and grand feasts. Among the smaller, yet significant artefacts from this time period are buckles.
Medieval buckles were practical items used to fasten belts, shoes, armour, and more. Beyond their utilitarian function, they were also expressions of fashion, status, and craftsmanship. Made from bronze, iron, and sometimes even decorated with silver or enamels, these buckles come in various shapes and designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you find treasure UK?
In the UK, if you believe you’ve found treasure while metal detecting or by any other means, there’s a specific procedure laid down by law, primarily by the Treasure Act 1996, that you must follow:
Report the Find: You are legally required to report any find you believe to be treasure to the local coroner within 14 days of either making the find, or realising that the find might be treasure (for example, after having it identified). Failure to report such finds can result in a fine or imprisonment.
Coroner’s Inquest: Once you report the find, the coroner will hold an inquest. This involves assessing the find with experts to decide if it qualifies as treasure.
Valuation: If the find is declared as treasure, the British Museum’s Treasure Valuation Committee will set a value for it. Museums have the right to acquire your find by paying you the value set. The reward is typically divided between the finder and the landowner, unless previously agreed upon differently.
Museum Acquisition: Local or national museums are given the opportunity to purchase the treasure. If no museum wishes to acquire the item, the finder is often allowed to keep it.
Why is the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) important?
The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) database is a programme run in England and Wales that helps to record the small finds discovered by the public, including by amateur metal detectorists. The scheme was set up to improve the archaeological knowledge of past human activity, and the recorded finds are made accessible to the public in a freely available online database.
Here’s why the PAS is crucial in the context of UK metal detecting:
Documentation & Research: It serves as an extensive record of artefacts, helping historians, archaeologists, and researchers deepen their understanding of the past.
Legal Framework: In England and Wales, while finders have no obligation to declare items not made of gold or silver, they are encouraged to report all finds to the PAS. This ensures the legal and systematic recording of archaeological objects.
Education & Public Access: It allows the general public to view and understand the significance of various historical items discovered across the country, effectively promoting a shared national heritage.
Protection of Heritage: By recording finds, especially in areas with a lot of undiscovered history, the PAS can influence protective measures for archaeological sites.
Relationship Building: It fosters a constructive relationship between metal detectorists and archaeologists. This collaboration ensures finds are recorded correctly and responsibly.
For metal detectorists in the UK, being aware of and engaging with the PAS ensures that their finds contribute to the broader understanding of British history and heritage, while also ensuring they operate within the framework of best practice and legality.