When an ancient artefact is discovered, such as a coin, brooch or pot, it is still the property of the person who owns the land where it was found. More often, less spectacular finds but which are equally interesting to archaeology, such as copper coins, small bronze brooches, potsherds and flints are picked up.

What to do if you find an ancient artifact?

Please dont pick it up, move it, throw it, put it in your pocket or your bag, or bury it. Note where you are. Snap a picture of the artifact where you found it. Step back and photograph the artifact with a landmark.

What happens if you find ancient artifacts on your property?

If its on your property, its yours to keep. Unless you sign a contract with a government agency, archaeologists, or educational institution which allows the other party to excavate on your property and keep the artifacts that are found, the artifacts are your property.

Is it illegal to sell ancient artifacts?

This trade may be illicit or completely legal. The legal antiquities trade abides by national regulations, allowing for extraction of artifacts for scientific study whilst maintaining archaeological and anthropological context.

Can archeologists keep artifacts?

Legitimate archaeologists are in favor of these kinds of laws because they help protect the integrity of the site. Professionals in the field do not keep, sell or trade artifacts they uncover. Their goal is to record history, plain and simple, and if possible, move the objects as a collection for research and display.

What do archaeologists do when they find an artifact?

Archaeologists wash, sort, catalog, and store recovered artifacts after bringing them back from the field. They analyze individual artifacts, but also may sort them into groups to see patterns.

Can you sell artifacts you find?

5. While its legal to own artifacts, its illegal to buy, sell, trade, import, or export burial, sacred or cultural objects, and other historical artifacts that were obtained by violating laws against digging on sites, collecting on public lands without a permit, or disturbing graves.

Can you buy artifacts?

While there are indeed a number of laws governing the sale and purchase of items of cultural patrimony (antiquities), as long as an item has been legally imported into the United States, its legal to sell and purchase.

How much money do archaeologists make a month?

How Much Do Archaeologist Jobs Pay per Month?Annual SalaryMonthly PayTop Earners$87,500$7,29175th Percentile$74,500$6,208Average$55,055$4,58725th Percentile$40,500$3,375

Who is the highest paid archaeologist?

Best-Paying States for Archaeologists$91,270.Hawaii. $78,440.Washington. $78,620.Nebraska. $76,850.$92,740.