DETECT KNOWLEDGE CENTRE | REPORTING FINDS
Found an old coin, buckle, brooch or another unusual historical object with your metal detector?
Archaeological discoveries in the Netherlands must be reported as soon as possible. You can do this through Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands (PAN) or the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE).
But how does reporting work? What details do you need, and will you lose ownership of your find? This practical guide from Detect explains the process step by step.
Want to report a find now?
For archaeological discoveries made in the Netherlands, you can use either of these official reporting options.
Report through PAN
A platform dedicated to recording archaeological discoveries made by private individuals, including detectorists.
Go to PAN reporting →Report to the RCE
The official archaeological find reporting form from the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency.
Open the RCE reporting form →1. Is reporting archaeological finds mandatory?
Yes. In the Netherlands, archaeological discoveries must be reported under Article 5.10 of the Dutch Heritage Act, known as the Erfgoedwet.
This requirement also applies to archaeological objects discovered using a metal detector. Finds must be reported as soon as possible.
In addition, archaeological discoveries must remain available for potential scientific research for at least six months.
Why is reporting important?
An archaeological find tells us more than just the story of an individual object. The place where it was discovered can be just as important.
Find locations can provide valuable evidence of former settlements, trading routes, agricultural activities and everyday life in the past.
Without accurate records, that historical information may be lost forever.
Why does reporting matter today?
In February 2026, the Dutch Heritage and Government Information Inspectorate reported concerns that too few detectorists were registering their archaeological discoveries.
The Inspectorate estimated that approximately 500 detectorists report finds each year, while the number of people using metal detectors in the Netherlands was estimated at between 3,000 and 7,000.
Every additional registered discovery helps improve our understanding of the past.
2. Which archaeological finds must be reported?
Archaeological discoveries must be reported. These may include objects that provide information about historical periods, people, activities or locations.
Roman, medieval and other older coins.
Brooches, rings, dress fittings and other historical accessories.
Old tools, weights, seals and other historical metal objects.
Multiple finds that may have been deposited together, such as a coin hoard.
Do you have to report every coin?
Not every modern coin is an archaeological object. Historical coins, however, can be important to record.
Even a fairly common coin can provide useful information when its exact discovery location is known.
Do nails or pieces of aluminium need to be reported?
Modern rubbish, such as drinks cans and aluminium foil, does not need to be reported as archaeological material.
However, a simple-looking piece of metal might be historically significant. If in doubt, contact PAN or an archaeological specialist.
3. What is PAN and how does it work?
PAN stands for Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands. It records and studies archaeological discoveries made by private individuals, including metal detector users.
Established in 2016, PAN aims to make information about archaeological finds accessible for research and public knowledge.
What does PAN do with your discovery?
- Registers archaeological objects.
- Records information about where they were found.
- Photographs and describes discoveries.
- Helps identify archaeological objects.
- Makes appropriate information available for scientific research.
Will your exact findspot be made public?
According to PAN, precise find coordinates are not displayed publicly on its website.
However, an accurate location is important for scientific records. You should therefore provide the most precise information available when reporting your find.
4. How to report an archaeological find in six steps
Reporting is easier when you record the important information while you are still at the detecting location.
- Record the find location: Save the exact position, for example using your phone's GPS. Also record the date and circumstances.
- Store the find carefully: Keep different discoveries separate and note where each one came from. Avoid unnecessary cleaning.
- Take clear photographs: Photograph the object from several angles, preferably alongside a ruler or measurement scale.
- Choose PAN or RCE: Use PAN's reporting platform or the official RCE find reporting form.
- Enter the required details: Complete the fields requested by the reporting system and check the information before submitting it.
- Keep the find and records: Ensure the object remains available for potential scientific research for at least six months and keep copies of your records.
Record the location immediately. Once you're home, it may be difficult to identify the exact spot in a large field.
Official reporting options
5. What information do you need to report a find?
The information required depends on the reporting form you use. The following checklist will help you prepare.
- Date of discovery.
- Accurate find coordinates.
- Municipality and location name, if known.
- Description of the object.
- Photographs from several angles.
- Dimensions, where available.
- Material, if identifiable.
- Any relevant details about how the find was discovered.
Why are coordinates so important?
An old coin may be interesting on its own. But knowing exactly where it was found allows archaeologists to compare it with other discoveries from the same area.
These connections may reveal evidence of former settlements, roads, trading networks and other aspects of historical life.
Should you clean the find before reporting it?
Not necessarily. Some historical objects are fragile, and vigorous brushing, chemical cleaners or other inappropriate techniques can cause damage.
Photograph the discovery in its original condition first. For fragile or unusual objects, ask a specialist for conservation advice.
6. What happens after you report an archaeological find?
Once submitted, your information may be registered and reviewed by archaeological specialists.
Depending on the object, this process may include:
- Checking the submitted information.
- Describing and identifying the object.
- Adding it to an archaeological database.
- Contacting the finder for additional details.
- Further investigation of particularly important discoveries.
Not every report leads to personal feedback or extensive research. Even a straightforward record may remain useful for future archaeological studies.
7. Will you lose your find if you report it?
No. Reporting an archaeological discovery does not automatically mean you must hand it over. The legal reporting obligation and ownership of the object are separate matters.
However, the find must remain available for possible scientific investigation for at least six months.
Can you keep an archaeological find?
That depends on the circumstances and the relevant legal ownership rules.
Finders can often retain ordinary discoveries, but this is not guaranteed. The landowner or a previous owner may have legal rights in certain situations.
What if you discover a treasure?
If a find legally qualifies as treasure under Dutch law, the finder and the owner of the property in which it was discovered generally become equal co-owners.
However, not every group of old coins or historical objects meets the legal definition of treasure.
Do not let the assumption that you will automatically lose a reported find discourage you from registering it. Reporting helps protect archaeological knowledge; ownership must be assessed separately.
8. What should you do with an unusual or dangerous discovery?
If you uncover an unusual group of historical objects, a potentially significant hoard or fragile archaeological remains, avoid disturbing the area further and seek specialist advice.
Record the circumstances of the discovery and contact PAN, the RCE or the appropriate authorities where necessary.
Stop immediately. Do not touch or move the object, keep a safe distance and call 112 in the Netherlands if there is an immediate danger. Suspected explosive objects must not be handled like ordinary archaeological finds.
Frequently asked questions about reporting archaeological finds
Do you have to report everything you find with a metal detector?
The legal obligation applies to archaeological finds. Modern rubbish does not need to be reported. If you're unsure about a potentially historical object, ask PAN for advice.
Is reporting archaeological discoveries mandatory?
Yes. Under the Dutch Erfgoedwet, archaeological discoveries must be reported as soon as possible.
Where can you report an archaeological find?
Through PAN or the official reporting form provided by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE).
Does reporting a find cost money?
No reporting fee is listed for the usual PAN registration process or the RCE reporting form. Check the conditions for any additional services.
Can you report an old coin to PAN?
Yes. Historical coins are among the types of discoveries recorded by PAN.
Will PAN make your exact find location public?
PAN states that precise find coordinates are not publicly displayed on its website. Accurate location information is still important for archaeological records.
Must you hand over a find after reporting it?
Not automatically. Reporting and legal ownership are separate issues. However, the object must remain available for possible scientific research for at least six months.
How long must you keep a find available?
At least six months for potential scientific investigation, as required by Dutch legislation.
What if you cannot identify the object?
Document the discovery carefully and contact PAN or an archaeological specialist who may be able to help identify it.
Do these reporting rules also apply in the United Kingdom or Ireland?
No. This guide specifically covers archaeological discoveries made in the Netherlands. Other countries have their own reporting and heritage laws.
Official sources and disclaimer
- RCE – Reporting archaeological finds
- RCE – Official find reporting form
- PAN – Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands
This guide provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Legislation, reporting procedures and official requirements may change. Always check current information from the appropriate authorities.
Protecting history starts with responsible detecting
A responsible detectorist cares not only about finding interesting objects, but also about preserving the historical context in which they were discovered.
At Detect Metaaldetectors, we encourage responsible metal detecting and share practical knowledge about archaeological reporting, detecting techniques and appropriate equipment.
Need help choosing a metal detector? Visit our showroom in Almelo, the Netherlands, for personal advice.
Detect Metaaldetectors – practical knowledge, honest advice and specialist service.
