How do I identify an arrowhead and is it legal to keep?
Verdict summary
Arrowheads and other stone points are identified by their shape, base and notching, matched against regional typology guides, which also give their age range. Keeping one depends on where you found it: it is illegal to remove artifacts from US federal and tribal land, while surface finds on private land generally belong to the landowner.
Many 'arrowheads' are actually dart or spear points made before the bow and arrow. Natural broken flint often looks worked; look for regular flake scars along both edges.
Record the find spot; it matters to archaeologists even when the object stays with you.
Sources: Archaeological Resources Protection Act (US); Regional projectile point typology guides.
Is treasure hunting legal? Yes, in most places treasure hunting is legal with permission: on private land with the owner's permission, and on much public land for casual metal detecting and panning. It becomes illegal when you dig in protected sites, remove archaeological objects, detect where it is banned (such as US National Parks), or work someone else's mining claim.
Can I keep treasure if I find it? It depends on where you find it. On private land, finds generally belong to the landowner unless you agree otherwise. On US federal land, archaeological objects over 100 years old cannot be removed without a permit. In England and Wales, finds that legally count as treasure must be reported to the coroner and may be acquired by a museum, with a reward shared between finder and landowner.
Primary sources cited
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act (US)
- Regional projectile point typology guides