Danefæ [ˈdæːnəˌfεˀ] (from Old Norse Dánarfé, "dead property") is a Danish legal concept referring to valuable objects discovered in Denmark that have no identifiable owner. To be considered Danefæ, the goods must also be older than a certain, undefined age, usually considered at least 100 years. Under Danish law, goods considered Danefæ are the property of the state. Danefæ is analogous to the English legal concept of treasure trove.
The first known version of the Danefæ law dates back to the 13th Century. The original purpose of the law was fiscal in nature. Precious metal objects discovered in Denmark would be sent to the Treasury to be melted down and minted as coins. In later centuries, certain objects with historical value, such as the golden horns of Gallehus, were kept intact in the crown's collection.
