Ever wondered what riches lie hidden beneath the ocean’s surface? The depths of the sea hold countless secrets in the form of lost treasures piled at the bottom, lost to time. Ranging from gold bullion and ancient artifacts to priceless jewels that once adorned royalty, these ten shipwrecks have yielded treasures that capture the fantasy.
HMS Edinburgh (1942)
Sunk during the time of World War II, it carried gold bullion worth a staggering $100 million. A Norwegian salvage company found it off the coast of Norway in 1981. This treasure represents wartime history and immense wealth. The discovery provides invaluable insights into maritime operations’ strategic and logistical challenges during the conflict.
The San José (1708)
Imagine stumbling upon a treasure worth $17 to 22 billion! The San José, a Spanish galleon, went down near Colombia laden with gold, silver, and emeralds. The Colombian Navy’s 2015 recovery uncovered this vast wealth and offered a rare opportunity to study the ship’s construction, cargo, and trade routes of the Spanish colonial era.
1715 Treasure Fleet
A hurricane off Florida’s coast in 1715 led to this treasure fleet, which the Schmitt family discovered in 2015. Its gold coins and artifacts are valued at $50—400 million, showing the immense economic power and global reach of the Spanish Empire during a pivotal period of exploration and colonial expansion.
Caesarea Treasure (11th century)
In 2015, the Caesarea Treasure, consisting of over 2,000 gold coins that was from the 11th century Fatimid Caliphate, was discovered by divers exploring the ancient harbor of Caesarea. Led by Zvika Fayer, the local club stumbled upon the treasure, which is valued at over $400 million.
Minjiang Treasure (1646)
In 2005, excavations in China’s Minjiang River unearthed a valuable collection dating back to 1646, during the late Ming Dynasty. The treasures, including gold, silver, bronze, and jewelry, were lost during a battle. Valued at over $44 million, the collection continues to intrigue historians with its historical significance.
SS Central America (1857)
Also called the “Ship of Gold,” the SS Central America sank off South Carolina in 1857 and was discovered by Tommy Thompson in 1988. The fantastic finds include gold dust, nuggets, coins, and ingots valued between $150 and $300 million, highlighting the allure of the Gold Rush.
SS Gairsoppa (1941)
The SS Gairsoppa and its load of silver bullion were lost to a German U-boat in 1941. During the war, Odyssey Marine Exploration unveiled the dangers of shipping when it found this treasure off Ireland’s coast in 2011. It includes many valuable items and is valued at $210 million.
Bom Jesus (1533)
Off Namibia’s coast, the Bom Jesus sank with a wealth of copper ingots, gold, and silver coins. Found in 2008, the shipwreck holds treasures valued at $9 million. The Portuguese ship sank in 1533 and lay hidden beneath the sands for nearly 500 years before diamond miners stumbled upon it.
Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (1804)
This ship was part of a fleet returning to Spain from South America, laden with vast amounts of gold and silver coins, estimated to be worth around $500 million today. Odyssey Marine Exploration discovered the shipwreck in 2007, sparking a legal battle over ownership.
Korean 12th-Century Shipwreck
Off South Korea, fishermen stumbled upon a shipwreck filled with porcelain items from the 12th century. The celadon pieces recovered from the wreck are considered masterpieces of Korean pottery, characterized by their jade-green glaze and intricate designs.
