[SampleMan]

Looks like that investment in portable metal detectors has finally paid off for these guys ... congrats!

Paid off for the government. Most of Europe's old relics now get thrown in a ditch or hedgerow when they are uncovered, because the government will confiscate them and then take your land in holding until archaeologists get around to looking at it (10-20 years).

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

“The coins, which are estimated to be worth about £10m ($15.8m), may go on display in the island’s main museum should the land owners get their way. But exactly who owns the coins will likely take months to determine. Hmmm, so much for finder’s keepers.”

Let’s revisit this find in say, 5 yrs, 10 yrs, and see just how much, if Any, of this $15.8 Million find the discoverers actually got out of it.

Remember the UK’s even more socialist than we are.

[pennyfarmer]

Paid off for the government. Most of Europe's old relics now get thrown in a ditch or hedgerow when they are uncovered, because the government will confiscate them and then take your land in holding until archaeologists get around to looking at it (10-20 years).

Proof please? This treasure trove law has been operating rather well from everything I have read. I have seen some kibitzing from the "professionals" but most of it is "professionals" being upset that the army of "hobbyists" are kicking their butts at great finds. There are strict penalties for someone failing to report a find or attempting to smuggle artifacts from the country.