Metal detecting reshapes history research as finds surge

Metal detecting has become an important part of historical research, with the Finnish Heritage Agency receiving thousands of reports of archaeological finds each year, Yle reports.

The number of reports has increased steadily for more than 15 years, alongside a rise in significant discoveries. Last week, a metal detecting enthusiast found Finland’s largest Viking Age hoard of silver coins in Sysmä.

“Enthusiasts have brought to our attention entirely new groups of objects and new aspects of archaeological cultural heritage that we were not previously aware of,” said Sami Raninen, a curator responsible for public finds at the Finnish Heritage Agency.

Most public archaeological finds are made by metal detectorists. One report can include several objects. The figures are based on Ilppari, the official reporting service for public finds.

More finds are being examined in detail

The growing number of discoveries has created a positive challenge for the Finnish Heritage Agency, as the volume of finds has caused a backlog in research. Not every object is requested for the agency’s collections; in some cases, a photograph and information about the find location are sufficient.

Methods for examining and analysing finds have also improved. DNA can be studied in bone finds, while the metal composition of old coins can be determined more precisely than before.

Researchers can analyse trace elements to investigate where the raw materials for metal objects came from, how alloy objects were made, and what quality of iron was available to a Viking Age swordsmith, Raninen said.

Hidden finds raise concern

The work done by metal detectorists also has a negative side. The growing popularity of the hobby has brought in people who do not follow the Antiquities Act. The scale of the phenomenon cannot be estimated.

Some cases may be caused by a lack of knowledge, Raninen said, but the Finnish Heritage Agency is also aware of cases in which hobbyists have excavated previously discovered protected sites.

Valuable finds may be sold on illegal markets. Raninen said they are more often kept in the finders’ private collections.

“Metal detecting crime is a real phenomenon in Finland. It may not be massive in scale, but it is real. It threatens and damages our cultural heritage,” Raninen said.

Finders can receive compensation

The Antiquities Act requires valuable finds to be reported. The Finnish Heritage Agency also pays reasonable compensation, intended to reduce the risk of historically valuable objects ending up in the wrong hands or beyond the reach of researchers.

Acquisition rewards range from a few dozen euros to thousands of euros. For precious metals, the payment is at least the current market value of the metal plus 25 per cent. The amount may also increase if the find is, for example, a completely new fixed ancient find.

Raninen said the most active hobbyists may earn “quite comfortable sums”. Kalle Lappinen, who found the large silver coin hoard in Sysmä, may receive significant compensation.

“The matter will eventually be decided through the acquisition process, but four and a half kilograms of silver is already worth thousands of euros based on its precious metal value,” Raninen said.