How to report a find
Follow these steps once you think you have found something old. Precise location information is essential: the find spot is often just as valuable as the object itself.
1. Note the exact find spot
- Note exactly where you found the object — documenting the find spot is very important. Write down the place name and the coordinates from a map or your phone.
- Take a photo of the find where it lies, and an overview photo of the site.
2. Fill in the find report form
Describe the find and the find spot in a find report form. The form makes sure the most important information stays with the object.
3. Report it to the county council
You are required to report the find to the county council for the area where you found it, or alternatively to the police. The county council will assess the find and tell you what happens next.
4. The find may qualify for a finder's reward
- The State owns loose heritage objects from before 1537 and coins from before 1650. Such finds may qualify you for a finder's reward.
- The museum prepares a recommendation, which is sent to the Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren). The Directorate makes the final decision and arranges any payment.
- The Directorate then informs the finder, the landowner and the museum of the decision.
About setting the finder's reward (Riksantikvaren, in Norwegian)
Things to avoid
A few common mistakes can destroy the value of a find, and some things are simply against the law.
- Do not dig any further.
Stop as soon as you think you have found something old. Digging further can destroy traces that show how old the find is and what it was once part of. - Do not wash or clean the object.
Do not wash, polish or otherwise treat the object. Incorrect cleaning can damage the surface and remove information. Leave this to the museum. - Do not sell the object.
It is not permitted to sell or trade archaeological objects in Norway. Finds that belong to the State must be reported and looked after, not sold.
Finder's reward
- The State owns loose heritage objects from before 1537 and coins from before 1650. Such finds may qualify you for a finder's reward.
- The museum prepares a recommendation, which is sent to the Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren). The Directorate makes the final decision and arranges any payment.
- The Directorate then informs the finder, the landowner and the museum of the decision.
About setting the finder's reward (Riksantikvaren, in Norwegian) (external link)