In July 2009, in England, there was a discovery of a substantial number of artifacts from the Anglo-Saxons. They could be dated to the 7th and 8th centuries.
The discovery took place on a private farm by an unemployed gentleman who was searching the farm with a metal detector. He had permission from the farmer.
The question is: who owns the artifacts?
The ordinary rule at common law is the farmer. But, the finder had a contract with the farmer, so they split the findings.
However, this “find” has been designated as “treasure trove” which means that it will be owned by the Crown. Both the farmer and the finder will split a “finders fee”.
Brian Madigan LL.B., Broker