Rewards for historical finds law set for debate

News imageJersey Heritage A collection of ancient coins in a pile, with some other metallic objects such as chains and rings.Jersey Heritage
Thousands of Iron Age coins were discovered in Grouville in 2012

A draft law which suggests paying rewards to people who find archaeological objects in Jersey is set for debate in February 2026.

Jersey is signed up to archaeological international treaties and conventions but there are no local laws to protect and manage significant finds.

The proposed heritage law would see guidance for metal detecting and reporting finds as part of a new code of practice of approved, officials said.

The draft law, first announced in August, could also allow people who find ancient treasures to get rewards based on the market value of the objects.

The Government of Jersey said the law aimed to protect the island's archaeological heritage by introducing clear legal obligations.

These would focus on the reporting, recording, investigating and preserving of objects and sites of archaeological significance, it said.

The earliest the law could be debated is 24 February.

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