Shipwreck History
Legendary Shipwrecks
The story of Spanish treasure fleets is one of extraordinary wealth, devastating hurricanes, and centuries-long quests to recover lost fortunes. Explore the histories behind the coins and artifacts in our collection.
The 1715 Plate Fleet Shipwreck
A Spanish treasure fleet returning from the New World to Spain. 11 of 12 ships were lost in a hurricane near present-day Vero Beach, Florida. Coins and artifacts still wash up on Florida beaches to this day.
Atocha 1622 Shipwreck
The Nuestra Senora de Atocha sank off the Florida Keys laden with gold, silver, emeralds, and jewelry. After 16.5 years of searching, Mel Fisher discovered her in 1985. Treasure is still being recovered today.
Santa Margarita 1622 Shipwreck
Sister ship to the Atocha, the Santa Margarita ran aground during the same 1622 hurricane. Spanish salvagers recovered almost half her treasure using primitive diving bells. Rediscovered by Mel Fisher's team.
San Jose 1708 Shipwreck
Known as the "Holy Grail of Shipwrecks," the San Jose was destroyed by British warships off Cartagena. She carried gold and silver from the mines of Potosi worth more than Spain's annual national income. Found by Colombia in 2015.
Nuestra Senora de la Luz
Our Lady of Light left Buenos Aires laden with gold bound for Spain. A storm pushed her into the shoreline at Montevideo, claiming all lives. Rediscovered in 1992 with gold and silver cobs auctioned by Sotheby's.
El Capitana Shipwreck 1654
The largest ship built in the Americas, twice the size of the Atocha, carried 2,212 silver bars, 216 chests of silver coins, and millions in contraband. She struck a reef off Ecuador and sank, devastating Spain's finances.
Jupiter Shipwreck 1659
A Spanish aviso vessel lost off Jupiter, Florida. Discovered in 1987 by surfers who spotted a cannon, yielding rare coins and a 78-pound silver ingot. The find shaped modern shipwreck salvage law.
