Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida

Good question. It depends upon whether the item appreciates or depreciates. If an item such a computer is stolen, a judge will award you the value of the item at the time of its loss (the used value). No judge will award the value for you to purchase a new one of the same item. It depreciated.

Of course, items may appreciate, such as treasures and jewels, and if the items have appreciated, you as finder, could get the appreciated value in court (that's why there are modern day pirates and treasure hunters).

Too cool for you, though, I think. You get back the value of a used comp, TV, Stereo, etc.