2024 was a record-breaking year for Treasure finds in Britain
Key information
The British Museum has today announced the latest annual figures for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and Treasure for 2024, revealing a third consecutive record-breaking year for reported finds and Treasure cases.
Over the past three years there have been significant increases in the number of finds reported by the public, with 79,616 finds recorded in 2024, up from 74,506 in 2023 and 53,490 in 2022. Meanwhile, 1,540 Treasure cases were reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2024, the highest number ever recorded in a single year, representing an increase of 163 on 2023 (1,377).
These record-breaking figures are due in large part to metal detectorists, who account for 94% of recorded finds and demonstrate the vital contribution made by members of the public to documenting and preserving the nation's history.
The counties recording the most PAS finds were Norfolk (7,120), Suffolk (5,410), Lincolnshire (5,133) and Gloucestershire (5,034), all agricultural counties with a rich archaeological heritage. During the same period, Norfolk (138), Hampshire (110) and North Yorkshire (109) recorded the highest numbers of Treasure finds. Over 92% of objects were recovered from cultivated land, where archaeological material is especially vulnerable to agricultural damage.
At the launch of the annual report, the Museum showcased some of the most exceptional recent discoveries. These included a hoard of 179 silver pennies, likely buried on the eve of battle in 1066. It's one of several hoards deposited during the 1060s, a period of significant political turmoil, but this hoard contains only coins from Harold II's short reign.
One possibility is that the hoard was deposited late in Harold's reign, buried around the time of the Norwegian invasion of England in September 1066 by King Harald Hardrada. Harald is known to have briefly captured York following a major battle at Fulford, only a short distance from the hoard's findspot.
Also on display was a complete copper-alloy Roman vehicle fitting, recently declared Treasure under the newly introduced significance-based criteria of the Treasure Act 1996. Discovered by a detectorist in Essex, the piece likely dates to about AD 43–200. Vehicle fittings of this type are rare in Britain, with more examples known from Central Europe, and it was likely attached to the body of a carriage or wagon or to the yoke which hitched draught animals to the vehicle.
The final object showcased at the event was an assemblage of early medieval precious metal objects found in plough soil in Wiltshire. The group includes a silver, gold and garnet bird's-head terminal with elephant ivory inlays (possibly from a drinking-horn), several gold rings, and other metal objects. Found by detectorists, the pieces were discovered metres apart and may form part of a high-status early medieval burial. Together, they provide a window into elite lifestyles and international connections during the period. A follow-up excavation will be led by Cardiff University and the PAS in coming months.
Quotes
Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, Director of the British Museum, said: 'The British Museum is proud of its role in managing the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Treasure process. Together, they are vital tools for preserving and recording Britain's past, ensuring that remarkable discoveries made by the public are protected, studied and made accessible to everyone.'
Ian Richardson, Acting Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, said: 'The continued rise in the number of finds reported through the Portable Antiquities Scheme is a testament to the dedication of finders across the country. Their responsible reporting allows us to build a richer and more detailed picture of life in the past, while ensuring that important objects are preserved for public benefit.'
Baroness Twycross, Culture Minister, said: 'Treasure gives us unique insights into the world around us and helps to shape our national story. Discoveries provide us with a wealth of knowledge, improving our understanding of our history in greater detail.
'Thanks to the finders, landowners, museums and everyone involved in the treasure process, we have the rare opportunity to display these treasures to educate and inspire future generations to come.'
Notes to editors
The Treasure Act 1996
Under the Treasure Act, finders have a legal obligation to report all finds of potential Treasure to the local coroner in the district in which the find was made. The success of the Act is only possible through the work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, advising finders of their legal obligations, providing advice on the process and writing reports for coroners on Treasure finds.
The Act allows a national or local museum to acquire Treasure finds for public benefit. If this happens a reward is paid, which is (normally) shared equally between the finder and landowner. Interested parties may wish to waive their right to a reward, enabling museums to acquire finds at reduced or no cost. Rewards are fixed at the full market value of the finds, determined by the Secretary of State upon the advice of an independent panel of experts, known as the Treasure Valuation Committee.
The administration of the Treasure process is undertaken at the British Museum. This work involves the preparation of Treasure cases for coroners' inquests, providing the secretariat for the Treasure Valuation Committee, and handling disclaimed cases and the payment of rewards.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)
Managed by the British Museum in England, and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museums Wales in Wales, the PAS is a partnership project, working with at least 117 national and local partners to deliver the Scheme's aims. It's funded (in England) through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's grant-in-aid to the British Museum with local partner contributions. All the Finds Advisors, Finds Liaison Officers and Finds Liaison Assistants (in England) working for the PAS are employed locally but work as a national team directed by the British Museum.
Thousands of archaeological objects are discovered every year, many by members of the public, most by people while metal-detecting. If recorded, these finds have great potential to transform archaeological knowledge, helping archaeologists understand when, where and how people lived in the past. The PAS offers the only proactive mechanism for recording such finds, which are made publicly available on its online database.
The PAS has also benefitted from internships funded by the Headley Trust, providing opportunities for people to develop a career in archaeology. Also, the Graham and Joanna Barker Fund, which has enabled extra support for the PAS in areas where resources are low. The PAS welcomes anyone interested in supporting its work locally to contact the British Museum.
Many organisations have also supported the acquisition of Treasure finds, including Art Fund, the Headley Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the V&A Purchase Grant Fund. Without these, as well as public donations, many important archaeological finds would not be in public collections.
