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Man discovers gold treasure worth 700,000 euros while building a pool!
A man in Neuville-sur-Saône discovers a treasure worth 700,000 euros while building a pool - the legal aspects of the treasure hunt.
Man discovers gold treasure worth 700,000 euros while building a pool!
In an extraordinary find, a man from Neuville-sur-Saône, near Lyon, discovered a treasure made up of gold bars and coins while building his new pool. According to estimates, the value of this treasure is around 700,000 euros. Focus reports that the finder reported the treasure to the responsible cultural authority in May 2025. The good news for him: Authorities decided the treasure was his because no archaeological significance was identified and there were no known previous claims to the find.
The treasure was packed in simple plastic bags and its origins remain a mystery as the previous owner of the property has passed away. The local newspaper “Le Progres” was the first media to report on this sensational find. The exciting question now remains as to whether the finder will sell the treasure or keep it as a valuable investment.
The legal aspects of a treasure find
In Germany, where numerous treasures are also suspected, there are structures and laws that regulate treasure discoveries. A treasure is defined there as a movable thing that was hidden until discovered. This is done by Gold.de explained. A distinction is made between treasures and finds that still have a living owner. This regulation has historical roots and is recorded, for example, in the Sachsenspiegel.
In Germany there is an obligation to report treasure discoveries in order to clarify any ownership claims. If a treasure is found, a 50:50 rule applies between the finder and the property owner according to Section 984 of the German Civil Code (BGB). It is important for aspiring treasure hunters to find out about local regulations, especially since digging or searching without a permit is a punishable offense.
What's next?
A wind of promise is blowing for the golden finder in Neuville-sur-Saône. He is very lucky because in his case there are no historical claims to the treasure. In many other cases, the counterpart in Germany could look completely different. Here the question of ownership often becomes a complex legal issue. The laws vary from state to state.
Regardless of what our French neighbor decides to do with his newfound wealth, the mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with a treasure discovery is an exciting chapter in his life. One thing is certain: whether it is the sale of the treasure or an investment for the future, history has the potential to write another chapter about the wonders of the treasures that lie hidden underground.