Donations

The Treasure Act provides a mechanism for finders and landowners to be given a monetary reward for each find of Treasure that is acquired by a museum. But finder and landowners do not have to claim this reward. Every year, dozens of people forego their rewards. This is extremely beneficial to the museums in question because otherwise they are the ones responsible for paying the rewards. These generous, public-spirited acts are called 'donations', because if a museum can acquire a find without having to pay the reward, it is equivalent to the owner of an object giving it to the museum at no cost. It is also equivalent to a private individual giving financial support to a museum to fund an acquisition.

Finders and landowners who waive their rewards demonstrate that the motivation behind their discovery is one driven by archaeological and historical interest, rather than financial gain.

Donors receive a certificate of thanks from the government Minister responsible for Treasure, in recognition of their deed. They will also be named in the relevant Treasure Annual Report, should the wish. Since 2007, more than 1800 individuals have waived their rewards and donated their finds to public collections.

If you would like more information about waiving a potential reward, please get in touch with treasure@britishmuseum.org or your local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO).