THE 1996 Treasure Act covers coins or other objects that contain at least ten per cent gold or silver and are at least 300 years old. Anyone who finds such items should contact the local coroner within 14 days and will usually be instructed to take it to a museum.

The museum will then assess the item and may return it to the finder if they do not want it. If a museum wants to keep the item, a treasure inquest is held and a reward will usually go to the finder.