Time Team and Ainsbrook Hoard

[DAZ 1900]

quote:Originally posted by gumbo

Ah ha! Very interesting Mr.Brun.

A slightly different aspect of the debate. I dont really know anything about valuations of such things but does the Treasure Valuation Committee do research on e-bay or that sort of thing? Was the implication that the discrepancy between the detectorists at Ainsbrook's valuation and the valuation committee's valuation was due to the fact that the Ainsbrook detectorists had a 'very willing' buyer in mind? Does anyone know about such things?

Hi Gumbo,

Treasure is defined by Weight and Metal and number

For Artefacts

Any object that is made up of at least 10 per cent by weight of precious metal(Gold or Silver) and is over 300 years old when found is deemed to be Treasure.Items that are plated in Gold or Silver are not normally classed unless found in ascociation with items classed as Treasure.

For Coins

Two or more with a metal content of at least 10 per cent precious metal by weight and must be 300 years old at the time of discovery.For Coins with a metal content below 10 per cent they have to number 10 or more


The TVC would not use Ebay (to the best of my knowledge!)as a source Primary or otherwise for Valuations of Treasure items,but would rather look for parallels within the Auction market(for items of rarity) and standard Book/Guide Price for more common items.The Advisor's to the TVC are Representatives from several of the leading Auction houses backed up by specialists in Numismatics and Artefacts from the Trade and advice is sought from them when and where needed,the NCMD also has a Representative (i believe Trevor Austin still sits on the Comittee although am not sure)
There are many other factors involved which the TVC take into account before deciding any reward, factors such as condition and rarity figure mainly, but also the nature of how a find is discovered and reported may also be used and also if an item has been cleaned/conserved in an inappropriate manner could also lead to an abatement in any reward that is made.

Many Detectorists have had problems with valuations in recent times for varying reasons and this has lead to some mistrust in the System and the TVC in general, i myself have been through the process twice now and have been fortunate not to have had the problems that some of my fellow Detectorists have had.

Hope this Helps!!

Best Wishes

Darren