Treasure-trove [thesaurus inventus Lat.], money or coin, gold, silver plate, or bullion found hidden in the earth or other private place, the owner thereof being unknown or unfound, in which case it belongs to the Crown: see Jervis on Coroners, p. 2. Bracton defines it, vetus depositio pecuni'. Concealing treasure-trove is punishable by fine or imprisonment.
Coroners have jurisdiction to inquire of treasure-trove, under s. 36 of the Coroners Act, 1887, as theretofore, but not to inquire into any question of title as between the Crown and any other claimant, Attorney General v. Moore, (1893) 1 Ch 676.
As to the Roman law on this subject, see Sand. Just.