Are they still finding treasure from the Atocha?
Spanish salvagers searched for the ship for decades but no trace of the Atocha was ever found, until Fisher came along. He discovered the wreck of another ship in the fleet in 1980, but it wasn’t until 1985 – after an exhaustive 16-year search – that the Atocha was finally found.
How much is the Atocha treasure worth?
around $400 million
On July 20, 1985 – 35 years ago today – Mel Fisher discovered the shipwreck of the Nuestra Senora De Atocha off the Florida Keys. The cargo’s value is estimated to be worth around $400 million. The treasure includes 24 tons of silver bullion, ingots, and coins, 125 gold bars and discs and 1,200 pounds silverware.
Who owns the Mel Fisher museum?
The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society and Museum is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been nationally-accredited museum by the American Alliance of Museums.
How much treasure has Mel Fisher found?
The estimated $450 million cache recovered, known as “The Atocha Motherlode,” included 40 tons of gold and silver; there were some 114,000 of the Spanish silver coins known as “pieces of eight”, gold coins, Colombian emeralds, gold and silver artifacts, and 1000 silver ingots.
Who owns the Atocha treasure?
Treasure Salvors fought the state, claiming the find should belong to those that discovered the treasure exclusively. After eight years of litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favour of Treasure Salvors on 1 July 1982, and it was awarded rights to all found treasure from the vessel.
How many Atocha coins were found?
To date, only 128 gold Atocha coins have been recovered! The gold Atocha coins were minted in Spain, as gold coins were not minted in the New World in 1622. The gold Atocha coins would have been in the pockets and possessions of the wealthy passengers.
How much gold did Mel Fisher find?
In 1980, Mel Fisher topped his previous glories as a treasure hunter to discover more than 20 million dollars worth of gold and other riches of the Santa Margarita, a sister ship of the Atocha lost in the same storm of 1622.
How much gold did Mel Fisher find on the Atocha?
$400 million
Mel Fisher and his crew struck gold — and silver, emeralds and more — on July 20, 1985, after 16 years of searching for the fortune held by the Spanish galleon. Known as “the golden crew,” Fisher’s divers found $400 million worth of sunken treasure held by the Atocha. Fisher’s motto was, “Today’s the day!”
What happened to Mel Fisher’s treasure?
He hunted doggedly for years for the cargo of a single treasure-packed galleon, the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, which sank in 1622 near the Florida Keys. Eventually his son Kane located the underwater bounty in 1985, and treasure worth roughly $400 million was recovered.
Has all of the Atocha been found?
A second hurricane on October 5 further destroyed the wreck, and despite six decades of searching by Spanish salvagers, no trace of Atocha or its treasures would be found.
Are Atocha coins rare?
According to Gary Randolph, Director of Operations of Mel Fisher’s Treasures, only 8 coins found on the Atocha came from the Cartegena mint, making them among the most rare silver coins in the Atocha collection.
Was the Queens Dowry ever found?
The Queen’s dowry was stored in the personal cabin of the Fleet’s senior officer. Elizabeth, however, never saw any of it. This sunken treasure remained untouched for more than two centuries.
Are there any buried treasures left?
Ark of the Covenant. Honjo Masamune sword. Lost Library of the Moscow Tsars. Crown jewels of Ireland.
How do I know if my Atocha coin is real?
Typically, they are clearly struck on both the obverse and reverse sides with the mintmark, assayer mark and denomination often all visible. Atocha coins are supplied with the original photo type Certificate of Authenticity.
Are Atocha coins worth anything?
Expect to pay $300 to $500 for decent Atocha 2 Reales. In contrast the run-of-the-mill 8 and 4’s can be had for as little as $80 for a “one-sided” Grade IV with a certificate or if you have money to burn Mel will sell you the same piece for $650.