Dorset ranked as one of the best counties to find treasure

The list shows that Dorset is ranked 13th among the UK's counties for the number of finds, with a total of 12,924

Compiled by Travel Expert Tim Schmidt from All Worlds, the data shows that across all 109 UK counties, there have been 684,915 pieces of treasure collected.

Last year Martin Turner and his son Rhys from Dorchester achieved the metal detectorists 'dream', finding 14 Bronze Age axe heads in a Dorset field. These axe heads were from 1400-1700 BC and were expected to be valued at around £7,000.

The 14 axe heads found in a Dorset field (Image: Martin Turner)

In 2016 a hoard of Roman coins was discovered in a field in Piddletrenthide by metal detectorist, Brian Read. The coins - more than 2,000 were found in a pottery vessel - include the earliest products of the newly established Roman mint of London.

The coins were found in 2016 in Piddletrenthide, Dorset, by metal detectorist, Brian Read

Last year Dorset Museum & Art Gallery began raising funds to keep two rare treasure hordes in Dorset.

The first treasure is a group of 40 gold stater Iron Age coins, found at Charlton Marshall near Blandford. The coins were imported from France and date from the 2nd century AD. They were made by a Gaulish tribe called the Baiocasses and very few similar finds are known from Dorset and the south coast.

Selection of the Charlton Marshall Gold Stater Hoard (Image: PAS/The British Museum)

The second hoard is a Middle Bronze Age hoard found in Stalbridge, also in north Dorset. It consists of a palstave axe head, a bangle with incised decoration and a rapier sword. It has been deemed an unusual find as it was apparently deliberately broken in three pieces and buried, but the hilt was shaped to mimic a wooden handle. 

Middle Bronze Age rapier, a bangle and palstave axe head (Image: The Portable Antiques Scheme/The British Museum, Surrey County Council)

Tim Schmidt, Founder of All Worlds, said: “Plenty of people would love to uncover a hidden diamond in their back garden, it’s a dream of many. Unfortunately though, whilst it would be a fascinating find, you would have to report the treasure to your local coroner within 14 days of finding it. Having said that, at least you can take the glory of being a treasure hunter and know that you were the one who found the treasure. 

"Just remember to have fun, be respectful of what you find and ensure you have the landowner’s permission before you start searching for that buried treasure."

Data collected by the Department of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum shows 32 treasure finds in Dorset were recorded in 2022 – up from 31 the year before.