Particle.news
Download on the App Store

French Homeowner Who Unearthed $800,000 in Gold Can Keep It, Officials Confirm

Authorities concluded the stash qualifies as treasure under French law after verifying it was legally acquired and not from an archaeological site.

Overview

  • The discovery was made in May in Neuville-sur-Saône as the homeowner dug a swimming pool on his property.
  • He uncovered five gold bars and numerous coins wrapped in plastic bags, according to local reporting.
  • Police traced unique numbers on the bars to a nearby refinery, determining the metal was legally acquired and melted about 15–20 years ago.
  • Local officials said the site is not an archaeological reserve, and cultural authorities found no historical basis for a state claim.
  • The previous property owner has died, and investigators have not established who buried the gold or why.