Treasure Trove

If you find any coins, silver or any other historical items, the law requires any such finds to be reported promptly to Manx National Heritage. They will in turn inform the High Bailiff who decides whether a Treasure Trove inquest may be held and whether they consider the find to be significant, or ‘casual loss’ i.e. one silver coin found on its own in a field.

Treasure Trove is an ancient law which allows the British Crown to claim an item of value whose owner cannot be traced. In relation to Treasure Trove on the Isle of Man, the Manx Government, through the agency of Manx National Heritage, takes the place of the Crown on the Isle of Man.

If a find is declared ‘Treasure Trove’ the finder will get the full market value for the items found. Treasure Trove Inquests are few and far between, with only two being held since the computerised system was set up in Summary Courts in 2006. None have been held since 2007.

For information on Manx National Heritage click here.