US EditionUnderwater Coins Authenticate San José Galleon and Trigger Legal Battle Over $20 Billion Treasure
- The Spanish galleon San José sank in a naval battle with British warships off Colombia's Caribbean coast on June 8, 1708, while carrying treasure valued at up to $17 billion.
- The San José served as the flagship of the Tierra Firme Fleet and was attacked during the early 18th-century conflict between Spain and Britain after officials from Peru transported treasure to Portobelo in late 1707.
- In 2015, Colombia identified a wreck near Cartagena as the San José, using ROV expeditions and underwater imaging in 2021–2022 to analyze cargo including coins, cannons, and porcelain dating from 1665 to 1707.
- Researchers found hand-struck silver and gold coins called macuquinas minted in Lima in 1707 bearing Spanish heraldic symbols, supported by imagery of Jerusalem crosses and Crowned Pillars of Hercules.
- This discovery offers a unique archaeological insight into colonial maritime trade but has triggered ongoing legal disputes over ownership between Colombia, Spain, Sea Search Armada, and indigenous groups claiming reparations.
46 Articles
46 Articles
New Evidence Points to World's Richest Shipwreck - Archaeology Magazine
Archaeologists found three areas of cob hoards on the port and starboard sides of the wreck's stern section, surrounded by other artifacts from the ship's cargo. BARU ISLAND, COLOMBIA—In 1708, the Spanish galleon San José departed Portobello, Panama, for Cartagena, Colombia, laden with up to 200 tons of treasure consisting of gold, silver, and priceless gems. The San José was the flagship of the Spanish Tierra Firme Fleet, which had been tasked …
Lost Ship Carrying $16 Billion Treasure Confirmed As "World's Richest Shipwreck", Sparks Ownership Battle
The find has sparked a multi-billion-pound legal battle over ownership of the gold, silver, and emeralds on board, which had lain undisturbed in the Caribbean waters for over 300 years.
New images reveal treasures aboard ‘holy grail’ shipwreck
New research revealing details of gold coins found aboard a shipwreck off Colombia provides further evidence that the vessel was the San José galleon, a 300-year-old Spanish warship believed to contain artifacts worth billions of dollars.
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