Shipwreck Gold Coins: 300-Year-Old Designs Revealed
Deep-sea explorers have pinpointed the origin of scattered gold coins: They’re from the San José, a Spanish galleon sunk in 1708. News from the Colombian Caribbean reveals the primarykeyword—sunken gold coins—were hand-struck, bearing Jerusalem crosses, shields, and the “crowned Pillars of Hercules.” Researchers, using ROVs, confirmed these secondarykeyword discoveries at nearly 2,000 feet. The coins average 1.3 inches in diameter, weighing around 27 grams, all originating from the Lima mint. Maritime archaeologist Daniela Vargas Ariza explains the cobs served as primary currency for over two centuries. The San José, considered one of the richest shipwrecks, faces legal battles between Colombia and Spain. News directory 3 follows this story closely.Discover what’s next as the fate of this treasure unfolds.
San José Shipwreck Coins Identified as 1708 Treasure
Deep-sea analysis of the San José shipwreck, a Spanish galleon sunk in 1708, confirms the origin of its scattered coins. Using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), researchers from Colombia’s navy and other authorities examined the sunken gold at a depth of nearly 2,000 feet.
The San José, located in the Colombian Caribbean near Cartagena in 2015, was explored during ROV expeditions in 2021 and 2022. The study, published in “Antiquity,” confirms the shipwreck treasure matches the era of the San José.
Distinctive Markings on sunken Treasure
Researchers documented numerous gold coins amidst the wreckage, noting an average diameter of 1.3 inches and a weight around 27 grams. High-definition images revealed designs including a Jerusalem cross, a shield with castles and lions, and the “crowned Pillars of Hercules” unique to the Lima mint.
Assayer marks from the Lima mint, dating back to 1707, were also identified. Daniela Vargas ariza, a maritime archaeologist, explained that these colonial Spanish coins, known as ”cobs” or “macuquinas,” were hand-struck from gold or silver ingots and served as primary currency in the Americas for over two centuries.
Legal battles Over Richest Shipwreck
The San José, considered one of the richest shipwrecks ever discovered, is subject to legal disputes. Colombia hopes to recover and possibly sell some of the treasure to fund further archaeological efforts. However, Spanish goverment claims assert ownership based on international law regarding naval vessel wrecks.
On June 8, 1708, the San José, leading a fleet bound for Europe, was attacked by British warships during the War of the Spanish Succession. The galleon exploded and sank after its gunpowder stores ignited.