Metal Detectorists row over split of treasure trove profits

[1949threepence 3,367]

It appears that Michael Darke and Keith Lewis have fallen out over how their six figure split of profits from a Iron age coin horde find, declared treasure trove shouls be split between them. Apparently Mr Darke made the initial discovery, and invited Mr Lewis along the following weekend, presumably to help him uncover more. At that point the main horde was uncovered with both in attendance, but Mr Darke is adamant that the bulk of the 50% share should go to him (the other 50% went to the landowner)

link here

Personally, I'd split the money equally between them. Michael asked for Keith's advice and assistance, and even though he found the first few coins, there's no certainty he would have discovered the rest if Keith had not been in attendance. Michael could have returned alone, and may not have found the rest of the horde. Moreover, with the two of them there, it's impossible to fairly allocate any varying proportion. So 50- 50 seems the most reasonable approach.

Such a shame that this sort of thng invariably leads to bitter feuds.

Thoughts ?

[Colin G. 147]

Being a detectorist myself I find this sort of thing frustrating, it makes us look like the "treasure hunters" a lot of people think we are. I know where money is involved, it always strains relationships you only have to look at inheritances!!

It will inevitably end up in court where the costs will eat into most of what either of them would have gotten anyway!!

[argentumandcoins 70]

It appears that Michael Darke and Keith Lewis have fallen out over how their six figure split of profits from a Iron age coin horde find, declared treasure trove shouls be split between them. Apparently Mr Darke made the initial discovery, and invited Mr Lewis along the following weekend, presumably to help him uncover more. At that point the main horde was uncovered with both in attendance, but Mr Darke is adamant that the bulk of the 50% share should go to him (the other 50% went to the landowner)

link here

Personally, I'd split the money equally between them. Michael asked for Keith's advice and assistance, and even though he found the first few coins, there's no certainty he would have discovered the rest if Keith had not been in attendance. Michael could have returned alone, and may not have found the rest of the horde. Moreover, with the two of them there, it's impossible to fairly allocate any varying proportion. So 50- 50 seems the most reasonable approach.

Such a shame that this sort of thng invariably leads to bitter feuds.

Thoughts ?

Sorry, started to read the article on the link, then I saw the top totty on the right hand side, then I forgot what I was supposed to be doing

Oh, just been back on. Split the cash or bang their heads together.

Root of all evil and all that....

Edited April 14, 2011 by argentumandcoins

[Peckris 579]

Sorry, started to read the article on the link, then I saw the top totty on the right hand side, then I forgot what I was supposed to be doing

totty? Scuse me, be back in a bit ...

[Peckris 579]

Sorry, started to read the article on the link, then I saw the top totty on the right hand side, then I forgot what I was supposed to be doing

totty? Scuse me, be back in a bit ...

Oh VERY nice Mind you, I suspect Ena Sharples would look sexy compared to that "oil painting" Michael Darke (quite put me off my cuppa).

[SionGilbey 1]

Smack them with their Minelabs...

I reckon Darke should get 60% as he found the first few coins and so found the horde while Lewis just helped him out.

[Colin G. 147]

Sorry, started to read the article on the link, then I saw the top totty on the right hand side, then I forgot what I was supposed to be doing

John I am more worried that I did not see the totty

[1949threepence 3,367]

Sorry, started to read the article on the link, then I saw the top totty on the right hand side, then I forgot what I was supposed to be doing

totty? Scuse me, be back in a bit ...

Oh VERY nice Mind you, I suspect Ena Sharples would look sexy compared to that "oil painting" Michael Darke (quite put me off my cuppa).

Yeah, he certainly hasn't looked after his teeth, has he.

I'm assuming the top totty was the gorgeous Beyonce....

[Cerbera100 0]

Beyonce?! I dont get Beyonce... Though Hollyby Willoughby more than makes up for that! Also, not sure who Jessica Lowndes is, but I'll have to fine out more!

[Cerbera100 0]

Oh, and on topic... split it 50:50 and tell 'em to stop being so ridiculous! As you say, no certainty that the remaining 800-odd coins would have been uncovered by Mr Dentistry-of-the-Year on his own!

[Peter 615]

As Mr Darke only found 9 coins the 1st day and obviously wanted to enlist help.I feel he should be willing to split the reward 50/50 unless he suggested some kind of "prenup".

This gives detectorists a bad image.....however the press are feeding off Mr Darke's appearance.

With large lumps of money at stake who knows how people will react.

As aside would you tuck away a couple for your own collection?

[Peckris 579]

Beyonce?! I dont get Beyonce... Though Hollyby Willoughby more than makes up for that! Also, not sure who Jessica Lowndes is, but I'll have to fine out more!

Aye it was the delectable Holly on my screen too!

[Peter 615]

I'm afraid I do not find Holly Willoughby at all attractive.

My type's are Holly Fowden (Kitchens direct advert)

Patsy Kensit

Kelly Brooke

etc

[Rob 3,152]

This is getting too clique-like in nature. Stop throwing names around that I can't relate to. The only Holly I've ever known had the surname Bush and was decidedly prickly in nature. I've never fancied a name. Post an image or at least a link so that we can at least ogle on equal terms.

[1949threepence 3,367]

Beyonce?! I dont get Beyonce... Though Hollyby Willoughby more than makes up for that! Also, not sure who Jessica Lowndes is, but I'll have to fine out more!

They've changed it. Beyonce was there but has now disappeared.... the utterly delectable Snooki is there now. For a chunky girl, she's really got a hell of a lot of sex appeal.

[Cerbera100 0]

This is getting too clique-like in nature. Stop throwing names around that I can't relate to. The only Holly I've ever known had the surname Bush and was decidedly prickly in nature. I've never fancied a name. Post an image or at least a link so that we can at least ogle on equal terms.

I'll never say no to an opportunity to ogle Holly Willoughby (congrats on her new daughter btw!)

http://xfactor-updates.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/holly-willoughby-featured.jpg

http://www.mastcelebs.com/upload/Holly-Willoughby.jpg

Enjoy!

Oh - todays selection... Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, Kate Middleton (vastly better than her Royal Mint image!) and Natalie Portman's ass!

[Rob 3,152]

This is getting too clique-like in nature. Stop throwing names around that I can't relate to. The only Holly I've ever known had the surname Bush and was decidedly prickly in nature. I've never fancied a name. Post an image or at least a link so that we can at least ogle on equal terms.

I'll never say no to an opportunity to ogle Holly Willoughby (congrats on her new daughter btw!)

http://xfactor-updates.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/holly-willoughby-featured.jpg

http://www.mastcelebs.com/upload/Holly-Willoughby.jpg

Enjoy!

Oh - todays selection... Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, Kate Middleton (vastly better than her Royal Mint image!) and Natalie Portman's ass!

Ok, that's a start. Never seen her before, but nice t**s, funny mouth. What does she do? Dance, sing or adult entertainment? Or is it just a case of the media fulfilling their need to find someone or something to fill the pages?

[Cerbera100 0]

She presents This Morning and Dancing on Ice and other such inane programmes...

[Rob 3,152]

She presents This Morning and Dancing on Ice and other such inane programmes...

Are they on the telly? Second thoughts, don't answer that. My daughter watches crap so she is bound to know.

[1949threepence 3,367]

As Mr Darke only found 9 coins the 1st day and obviously wanted to enlist help.I feel he should be willing to split the reward 50/50 unless he suggested some kind of "prenup".

This gives detectorists a bad image.....however the press are feeding off Mr Darke's appearance.

With large lumps of money at stake who knows how people will react.

As aside would you tuck away a couple for your own collection?

It certainly makes them look greedy.

On "Countryfile" recently, they featured a piece about "night hawkers". These are detectorists who roam private land in the dead of night, without the permission of the landowner, in the hope that they will find something valuable enough to take away and not have to share with the landowner. Something else that's giving them a bad name.