2008 Treasure Report reveals glittering finds
16th Century toy coach, Bronze Age gold bracelet and hoard of 50,000 Roman coins are some finds detailed in the report published this week
The catalogues 806 , representing a healthy increase on 2007鈥檚 figure of 747 cases.聽
Buried treasure
Metal detecting enthusiast Dave Crisp came across an extraordinary hoard of in a field in Frome in April 2010. Instead of disturbing the site, he reported the find to his local Finds Liaison Officer, who arranged for the site to be excavated archeologically. The hoard contains a significant number of coins from the reign of - Britain鈥檚 鈥榣ost emperor鈥�.聽 hopes to acquire the find.
A was discovered on the Thames foreshore in March 2009聽by Andy Johanessen.聽Dating from 1575-1600, this fragile object was found completely flattened: Andy carefully straightened the toy, returning it to its original shape.聽Given the delicacy of the object, this is a rare survival.
Transferred responsibilities
At the report鈥檚 launch, Culture Minister confirmed that administration of both the Treasure Act and the (the PAS, which covers non-Treasure finds) will rest entirely with the from April 2011. Mr Vaizey explained that 鈥渦nder the stewardship of the British Museum, the PAS will remain a central and successful part of British archaeology鈥�.
Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, explained that the plans would 鈥渆nsure an effective and efficient mechanism for dealing with archaeological finds made by the public鈥�.