Treasure-Trove
A Dictionary of Law · William C. Anderson · 1889
A Dictionary of Law
Where any money, coin, gold, silver, plate, or bullion is found hidden in the earth, or other private place, the owner thereof being unknown. At common law, treasure-trove belonged to the king; treasure found upon the earth to the finder. Though commonly defined as gold or silver hidden in the ground, includes their paper representatives. And it is not now necessary that the hiding be in the ground. The civil law gave the treasure to the finder, according to the law of nature.
See Coroner; Find, 1.