40,000 UK detectorists report 53,000 finds and 1,300 treasure cases, outpacing archaeologists; law change updates treasure definition under 1996 Treasure Act.

40,000 UK detectorists, driven by social media popularity and TV shows, report over 53,000 finds and 1,300 treasure cases in a year, outpacing archaeologists. A recent law change updates the definition of treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act, making it more difficult for rogue detectorists to profit. High-profile scandals have raised concerns, but detectorists maintain a sense of community and connection to history.

March 16, 2024
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