Hypothetical question re: gold coins found on Federal land

[fragment47]

Hello! I’m looking for a quick answer and I bet someone here has a quick answer: If someone found a collection of uncirculated $20 Confederate gold coins buried on Federal land, would the cache automatically be turned over to the government or might someone keep the find? What are the legalities?
Thank you! These threads are fascinating.

 

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[ToddsPoint]

First, the only “confederate “ double eagles were the 1861-O strikes. Mint records show only 17,000 struck. Only a portion of those were struck after the confederates took over the mint. The confederates sent about every dime they had to England to buy war matériels. Digging on most Fed land is prohibited. You can legally dig in a National Forest. I think BLM land is legal but I’m not positive. After you found them, you would have to pay income taxes on the actual value of the coins, not just face value. Payment must be made in the same yr they were found. That’s if you do it the legal way.

 

[Noobhunter Joey]

Lose lips sink ships, If you have already ventured onto uncharted lands undetected, while finding something good. And only you know about it?

 

[jewelerguy]

Go to jail. Go directly to jail, do not pass GO, do not collect $200