UK treasure hunters make archeologists see red

With a metal detector and some luck, hobbyist treasure hunters in the UK can end up owning highly valuable artifacts. But archeologists are speaking out against treasure hunting, saying it damages key historical traces. Hobbyists scavenging for ancient jewelry or a cache of Roman coins are an increasingly common sight in the UK’s countryside. With some enthusiasts having unearthed thousands of pounds worth of treasure, the lure of heading out with a metal detector can be potent. Historical artifacts, including coins, old tools and weaponry, turn up with some regularity among the thousands of objects dug up each year. But hobbyists have been so successful that some archeologists are accusing them of looting Britain’s heritage. Some even want the practice banned. Read more.

They should be grateful to these people for finding them new sites to work on at tax-payers' expense.