[BadAndy]

Exactly, the poor bugger is sure to get screwed royal.

[Heyworth]

Don't be so sure. Britain enacted a Treasure Law in 1996. They have to go through some formalities (this inquest), and the national museums get first refusal to buy them at market value, but the guy will end up with the treasure. Metal detecting and treasure hunting is a big hobby in Britain, and amazing finds are showing up regularly. They've realized that if they don't insure people will get to keep the treasure legally, they'll just stop reporting their finds.