New Draft Law Proposes Rewards for Historical Discoveries

Jersey Considers New Law to Reward Archaeological Discoveries

A new draft law in Jersey proposes introducing financial rewards for individuals who uncover archaeological artefacts, as part of broader efforts to better protect the island’s historical heritage.

Under the proposed legislation, anyone who discovers an object of potential historical importance would be required to report it within 14 days. This move would bring Jersey more in line with the UK, where protections for archaeological finds have existed since the Treasure Act 1996.

Unlike England and Wales, Jersey currently lacks specific laws governing the treatment of significant archaeological discoveries. The government said the proposed law would not only safeguard the island’s rich heritage but also support research and ensure finds are properly recorded.

The reward system would offer payments based on the market value of the discovered item, to be shared between the finder and the landowner—provided the find was made legally.

According to the draft proposal, historically significant objects would be considered the property of the people of Jersey. However, so-called treasure troves—large caches or high-value discoveries—would be held in trust by the Government of Jersey on behalf of the Crown.

All reported finds would also be logged in a centralised digital database, mirroring systems already in place across the UK.

The legislation has been partly inspired by past discoveries, particularly the Le Catillon II Hoard — the world's largest collection of Celtic coins — which was unearthed in Jersey in 2012. The hoard, containing over 69,000 Iron Age coins, highlighted gaps in the island’s existing legal framework for dealing with such finds. The government eventually purchased the hoard for over £4 million.

The proposed law would cover more than just metallic treasure. It includes non-metallic man-made artefacts more than 300 years old, as well as ancient human and animal remains. Notably, it would also extend protections to underwater finds, including those uncovered on the seabed and below the low tide line—areas not currently covered under UK treasure laws.

Public consultation on the proposal is open until 12:00 BST on 8 September, with officials encouraging islanders to provide feedback.