The Act is designed to deal with finds of treasure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It legally obliges finders of objects which constitute treasure (as defined in the Act) to report their find to their local coroner within 14 days.

The amount of the reward and how it is divided among the claimants is determined by the Treasure Valuation Committee.

Successful cases involving the Treasure Act include that of the Ringlemere gold cup.

The act does not apply in Scotland, where treasure finds are a matter of Scots Common Law.