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Holy Grail Shipwreck Yields Ancient Coins and Cannon
24 Nov
Summary
- Colombia has recovered artifacts from the 1708 San José galleon.
- The shipwreck is believed to hold treasure worth up to $20 billion.
- Recovered items include a cup, three coins, and a remarkably preserved cannon.
Archaeologists in Colombia have successfully retrieved initial artifacts from the San José galleon, a wreck renowned as the "Holy Grail of shipwrecks." This vessel, carrying an estimated $20 billion in treasure including gold coins and emeralds, sank in 1708 during an attack. The recovered items, announced recently, consist of a porcelain cup, three coins, and an ancient bronze cannon, which remains in excellent condition.
The San José galleon was en route to Spain with its valuable cargo when it met its fate over three centuries ago. Ownership of the wreck and its contents is a subject of international dispute, with both Colombia and Spain asserting claims. Colombia is also involved in arbitration with Sea Search Armada, a group of U.S. investors.
Colombia's government emphasizes that the ongoing deep-water expedition, located nearly 2,000 feet below the sea, is primarily for research purposes. This significant discovery comes as other notable shipwrecks, like Captain James Cook's HMS Endeavour and a deeply submerged French vessel, have also surfaced in 2025.
