Treasure recovered from 300-year-old shipwreck believed to hold billions in gold and silver

Researchers in Colombia have begun recovering items from the San Jose, a Spanish warship that sank in 1708. The ship is thought to have been carrying a huge treasure of gold, silver, and emeralds, potentially worth billions of dollars.

A recent underwater expedition recovered a porcelain cup, some coins, and a bronze cannon from about 600 meters deep.

The Colombian government keeps the precise location of the San Jose shipwreck a secret, considering it classified information. Experts estimate the ship’s treasure to be worth between $17 and $20 billion in today’s money.

What has been recovered so far

Divers recently recovered a fascinating collection of artifacts, including an ornate bronze cannon, three old hammered coins, and a remarkably well-preserved porcelain cup that has been underwater for over 300 years.

According to officials, the expedition prioritizes scientific research and protecting the site, not recovering valuable items. Everything found is currently being carefully preserved.

The San Jose shipwreck is often called the “holy grail” because of the incredibly valuable cargo it’s believed to hold, and it’s been at the center of many legal battles.

According to a statement released on November 20th, Colombian officials believe that each artifact recovered from the San Jose shipwreck could reveal new details about its history.

Although the San Jose is thought to contain a much larger treasure, it’s not the only valuable shipwreck discovered. In October 2025, divers found over 1,000 silver and gold coins—worth $1 million—from a 1715 Spanish ship that sank off Florida’s Treasure Coast.

2025-11-24 18:18

What has been recovered so far

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