Government changes the legal definition of treasure so that more new discoveries can go on public display

New definition of what constitutes treasure will mean many more objects of exceptional archaeological, historical and cultural importance are protected

• Objects of historical importance more than 200 years old and containing metal will now fit the criteriaof‘treasure’

• Move will see more finds on display in museumsacrossthe country for the publictosee and enjoy in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Under the current definition, newly discoveredartefacts canonlybelegallyclassifiedastreasureiftheyaremore than 300 years old and made of precious metal or part of a collection of valuable objects or artefacts. But to make sure the most significant future discoveries are acquired by museums for the benefit of the nation, the Government is expanding the definition set out in the Treasure Act.

The move has been prompted after a number of recent discoveries fell outside the scope of the Act While these artefacts were, thankfully, acquired by museums, this new definition will make it easier for them to do so in the future.

The newcriteria willapplytothemostexceptional finds over 200 years old – regardless of the type of metal of which they are made – so long as they provide an important insight into the country’s heritage. This includes rare objects, those which provide a special insight into a particular person or event, or those which can shed new light on important regional histories.

Discoveries of treasure meeting these new criteria will be assessed by a coroner and will go through a formal process in whichthey canbe acquired bya museum and go on display to the public.

ProfessorMichaelLewis,HeadofPortableAntiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, said: “The British Museum welcomes the extension of the Treasure Act to ensure museums across the country have the opportunity to acquire more finds of archaeological significance. The reform of the Act will also update its Code of Practice to acknowledge the fundamental role of the Portable Antiquities Scheme

(Managed by the British Museum in England) in ensuring the successful operation of the Act.”

Dr Kath Davies, Director of Collections and Research, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, said:

“We are pleased that, through this proposed new treasure definition, a greater number of archaeological finds of the highest significance for Wales may be declared treasure each year. This means that more treasures may be acquired by local museums across Wales, for people to see and enjoy in their own communities.”

This new definition will mean that future discoveries of objects made of non-precious metals, like the Bronze AgeRudhamdirk,aceremonialdaggercouldbeclassed as treasure.

Discovery of the RomanCrosbyGarrett Helmet (Figure 1) which was discovered by a metal detectorist in 2010 which was later sold at auction for 2.3 million pounds made the nation aware that valuable historical finds needed to be covered by a change in the act which has resultedinthe inclusion of important historical artefacts other than gold or silver.

The Treasure Act 1996 was introduced to enable archaeological discoveries to be acquired by museums. By widening the definition of treasure, the Government aims to improve its ability to preserve important artefacts for the nation.