What is ValTArq?

Archaeological heritage comprises assets that incorporate a historical reference, the full understanding of which is achieved through the application of archaeological methodology. This decisively influences their valuation and, eventually, their appraisal for the various purposes stipulated by law. Indeed, a large percentage of these assets remain hidden, which makes them highly vulnerable to damage and destruction, but also makes them susceptible to chance discoveries.

As a protective measure, the Spanish Historical Heritage Law, and subsequently regional laws, have stipulated that archaeological assets discovered after 1985 belong to the public domain, as do those already existing in public museums.

As part of the protective measures for this special heritage, appraisals must be carried out for various purposes: satisfying the right to a reward for accidental finds, assessing any damage they may have suffered, managing imports and exports across Spanish borders, as well as acquisitions by public or private entities, payment in kind for taxes and other obligations, or establishing insurance policies when they must be removed from the institutions where they are kept.

The lack of widely shared and accepted professional criteria on how to reconcile the special characteristics of archaeological assets with the purposes of appraisals means that these assets are often valued using disparate criteria that are difficult to understand because the reasoning behind a specific valuation is not explained. In cases where such appraisals affect third parties, such as in the valuation of accidental finds or in assessments of damage to these assets, this discretion can create legal uncertainty for those affected.