Just a though about states that require you to turn in any items over $20 value

[ivan salis]

rule number # 1 -- folks only "know" what they see first hand or you tell em ---so keep the trap shut.

rule number #2 --- never go to a "local" gold or pawn shop to see if "your find" is real --duh lots of stuff on the hot sheets could match up with your item possibly --- can you say "trouble" ? --- buy a cheap gold test kit for crying out loud --

rule number #3 -- never sell "found" jewelry locally *--- the thing you find "might be listed as stolen" even though it was actually lost. -- (* or if you do sell it know the pawn broker very well --so you don't get "jacked up" as a crook)

rule #4 if one finds marked or "personized" jewelry which often can be identified --if its clear that it is easily IDible and of decent value most places legally require that you report it and turn it in and if after a peroid of time no one claims it normally its yours. ---(always get a signed reciept for it upon turning it in and tell them in advance if its claimed that you want to know who claimed it as well --so you can ask for a 10% "finders fee" if it was insured item -- both the reciept and check up on the owner is to prevent "sticky fingers" on the cops part )--- for run of the mill " unmarked gold jewelry stuff" see rule #1

 

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[lostcauses]

An interesting topic.
Relic hunting is one that can be damaged the easy way, by ignoring the law.
No one will see me, I will not get caught, No one will know (You will).
You should question yourself at this point. It the hobby controlling you, or you just a thief.
One of them lines of the hobby, is it a hobby or has it become a problem things.

OPPS We don't talk about that do we!

As for the original post. Value as in coin value is one thing. The numismatic value can come into play especially if it stolen and can be identified. Not the best advice.
Yet it would depend on the situation the item was found, and who may own it., private property, public property can come into play. If it is turned in and not claimed the title becomes clearer.