What to do if you find an archaeological object

Finds Recording

There's two types of Find Recording:

• Recording Archaeological Objects
• Reporting potential 'Treasure' objects

Recording Archaeological Objects

The Suffolk Finds Recording Team is part of the national Portable Antiquities Scheme. We identify and record archaeological objects that are found in Suffolk by members of the public. For more information about Finds recording in Suffolk please see our Suffolk Heritage Explorer pages on heritage.suffolk.gov.uk.

Reporting potential 'Treasure' objects

There is a legal obligation under the Treasure Act 1996 to report any objects that may qualify as Treasure to the coroner within 14 days. The Suffolk FLOs can advise on the Treasure Act and report treasure to the Suffolk coroner on the finder’s behalf.

Read guidance about reporting Treasure on our Suffolk Heritage Explorer page

More detailed information about Treasure finds and the Treasure Act can be found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website.

If you think you may have an item of Treasure, or are uncertain whether your find could be Treasure, please contact us as soon as possible for advice. For any enquiries regarding the recording of archaeological objects found in Suffolk, including treasure, please contact us on:

• 01284 741230
• sccasfinds@suffolk.gov.uk

Members of the public are now able to collect and deliver finds to the Finds Recording Team strictly by appointment only. Please phone or e-mail to arrange an appointment and for any other enquiries.

Reporting heritage crime

We support the initiative, Alliance to Reduce Crime against Heritage (ARCH), by English Heritage, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to tackle all types of heritage crime (for example illegal metal detecting, damage to scheduled monuments or listed buildings).