Commentaries: Art. 724

Ownerless natural specimens and antiquities of scientific value are the property of the canton on whose territory they are found.¹ 1bis. Such objects must not be alienated without the consent of the competent cantonal authorities. They may not be purchased in good faith or acquired through adverse possession. There is no prescriptive period on the canton’s right to recover them.²
The owner of the land on which such objects are found is obliged to permit their excavation in exchange for compensation for the damage caused.
The finder, and in the case of treasure trove also the owner is entitled to an appropriate finder’s reward not exceeding one-half of the value of the find.

Amended by Art. 32 No 1 of the Cultural Property Transfer Act of 20 June 2003, in force since 1 June 2005 (AS 2005 1869;BBl 2002 535). ↩
Inserted by Art. 32 No 1 of the Cultural Property Transfer Act of 20 June 2003, in force since 1 June 2005 (AS 2005 1869;BBl 2002 535). ↩

Art. 724