Treasure discoveries in Britain reach record levels in 2024

The British Museum reports 79,616 finds recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme in 2024 and 1,540 treasure cases—the highest single-year total—with metal detectorists accounting for 94% of recorded finds.

Record numbers of archaeological finds and treasure were recorded in Britain in 2024, according to figures released by the British Museum. The Portable Antiquities Scheme logged 79,616 finds for the year, and 1,540 treasure cases were reported across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The museum said metal detectorists accounted for 94% of recorded finds and that reporting has risen over the past three years. Notable discoveries mentioned include a hoard of 179 silver pennies, a Roman vehicle fitting found in Essex, and an early medieval assemblage found in Wiltshire. Key figures and finds: - 79,616 finds recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme in 2024, up from 74,506 in 2023 and 53,490 in 2022. - 1,540 treasure cases reported in 2024, the highest annual total; 1,377 cases were reported in 2023. - Detectorists accounted for 94% of recorded finds reported by the public. - Counties with the most PAS finds in 2024 included Norfolk (7,120), Suffolk (5,410), Lincolnshire (5,133) and Gloucestershire (5,034). - Counties with the most treasure finds included Norfolk (138), Hampshire (110) and North Yorkshire (109). - More than 92% of objects were recovered from cultivated land; a Wiltshire early medieval assemblage will be followed by an excavation led by Cardiff University and the PAS. Summary: The figures highlight a rise in public reporting and in the number of recorded finds, underscoring the role of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the treasure process managed by the British Museum. A planned follow-up excavation for the Wiltshire assemblage has been stated; other specific plans are undetermined at this time.