Chris (US)
In the United States, traditionally, a treasure trove is considered the same as lost property. Because it is considered lost property, the finder of the treasure trove obtains ownership rights greater than everybody other than the original owner. Nowadays, however, many states (such as Florida) have enacted statutes that could take the found property from you. But if you find a treasure trove any place other than your own land, then the owner of the property on whose land you found it will sue you for ownership.
The divers Joachim Foltys (R) and Fred Ruelke (L) of the subaqua sports club Biberach lift a wooden treasure out of Lake Constance, which they found close to the lakeside promenade, during the traditional Epiphany Dive in Ueberlingen, Germany, on January 6, 2015. [Photo/IC] |