Public Beaches?

[Nick in NEPA]

What if I'm detecting on a public beach and I find a coin, be it gold, silver, or copper? What are the laws concerning that, if any? I had previously heard that they're fair game, but I want to double check.

[TheSleeper]

Far as i m concerned what the law don`t know won`t hurt them, key phrase, keep ur eyes open and mouth shut. Something extremely valuable always stick it in some other pocket then your regular finds that way if stopped or questioned u can just show a bunch of clad or jewelry.

[Nick in NEPA]

Cool

[wreckdiver1715]

The laws very from state to state, so you should check your states historic resource division web page to be sure. Most states consider beach finds (between the toe of the dune, and the low tide line), as a free zone. If the beach is in a federal park, check with the rangers first.

Tom

[Ant]

The general law that I have always heard is:

If you find something, turn it in to the Police Department. And if after 30 to 90 day’s it isn’t claimed, it’s the finders. But lots of cities, counties and states are different.

But, I also heard that some PD’s auction off items that have been turned in and they keep the proceeds.

The best thing to do is not detect in illegal areas and keep you mouth shut about high dollar finds. A few guys found a huge meteorite and the Government claimed it under the 1906 Antiquates Act. If you want to read about the case, search for the Old Woman Mountains Meteorite. It was found by three prospectors, it was on public land, and they tried to claim it under the 1886 Mining Law, it didn’t work.

HH

I think you know to do now.