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The government plans to change the official definition of “treasure” to include more rare and precious archaeological finds, so that such artifacts can be kept for the nation rather than sold to private collectors.
Under the 1996 Treasury Act, objects are designated as hidden treasures if they are found to be over 300 years old and made of gold or silver, or found with artifacts made of precious metals.
Once officially identified as treasures, these objects become the property of the crown and are available for purchase by local or national museums for public display.
But this medieval vision of the treasure does not cover many of the important discoveries of the 21st century. Metal detecting has produced a growing number of objects from Roman Britain that do not meet the criteria, as they are often made of bronze rather than precious metals.
Additionally, some items of national importance have been lost to the public or have been at risk of being sold to private collectors, the culture department said.
Recent discoveries include the spectacular bronze enameled horse brooch, known as Leasingham’s horse and dating to between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, found in Lincolnshire this year by a detectorist. Resembling earlier designs from the Iron Age period, the brooch is a rare and nationally important example, but it cannot be designated as a treasure. However, thanks to the generosity of the seeker, it has been exhibited at The Collection Museum in Lincoln.
An exceptionally rare Roman copper-alloy figurine clad in a hooded cloak, known as the birrus brittanicus, was found near Chelmsford, Essex, and was nearly lost to public view. Here the government intervened and imposed a deferred export license that delayed its sale. The Chelmsford City Museum was able to raise funds to purchase the statuette.
Plans for a new definition of treasure will aim to ensure that significant finds can be designated as such if they are historically or culturally important, regardless of their material qualities.
Announcing the plans, Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage said: “The search for buried treasure by budding detectors has become more popular than ever and many ancient artifacts are now seeing the light of day in museum collections. However, it is important that we have plans to protect more of our precious history and make it easier for everyone to follow the treasure process. “
Searchers, landowners, museums, and the general public were invited to participate in the consultation process that led to the government’s proposals. Detectorists, archaeologists, museums, academies and curators will have the opportunity to contribute to inform the new definition. Plans will also be presented to simplify the treasure process.
The popularity of metal detecting as a hobby has led to an increase in treasure boxes from just 79 in 1997 to 1,267 in 2017. In 2017, 96% of finds that were declared treasures were discovered through metal detection.
The proposals were well received by the British Museum. “We really appreciate working with him [culture department] as it moves forward in its work to reform the treasure law to protect our shared heritage and encourage best practices among seekers, ”said its director of portable antiques and treasures, Michael Lewis.
Roger Bland, chairman of the treasure appraisal committee, also welcomed the announcement, saying that redefining the treasure would require more work “to ensure that the most important finds can be protected.”
