Maxim 4.3.13
Treasure-trove is an ancient hiding of money, &c., of which no recollection exists, so that it now has no owner.
Thesaurus inventus est vetus dispositio pecuniae, &c., cujus non extat modo memoria, adeo ut jam dominum non habeat.
Source: 3 Inst. 132; Jackson
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
Treasure trove is defined by its antiquity and the absence of any known owner — money or valuables hidden so long ago that no living person can claim them belong to the sovereign by prerogative.
Where this applies
- Old coins are discovered buried in the ground with no known owner.
- A farmer finds ancient valuables while plowing a field.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 4.3.13 — Treasure-trove is an ancient hiding of money, &c., of which no recollection exists, so that it now has no owner. — 3 Inst. 132; Jackson (Thesaurus inventus est vetus dispositio pecuniae, &c., cujus non extat modo memoria, adeo ut jam dominum non habeat.)
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