If a lost item falls into the hands of a merchant, and if he leaves it for a year its value will be lost, is he permitted to trade with it?

The questioner : May Allah reward you, O Shaykh. If a lost item falls into the hands of a merchant, into the hands of a merchant, and he knows that if this lost item remains for a full year its value will decrease, and he wants to trade with it and convert it into another metal that is more noble than this one.

The Shaykh : No, it is not permissible for him to trade with it. This is not permissible, trading with it. But it is permissible for him to sell it and preserve its value. If he fears that it will spoil, there is no harm. Rather, it is obligatory for him to sell it and preserve the value.