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.
Are they still finding treasure from the Atocha?
We continue to actively search for and recover the remaining lost treasures of the Atocha and the Santa Margarita while also searching for other yet to be discovered shipwrecks. Each precious piece of history we recover goes through an extensive conservation process in our state of the art conservation lab.
What did Mel Fisher do with the treasure?
Mel spent the next 7 years successfully salvaging the 1715 Fleet, a fleet of sunken treasure-laden ships, which sank off the coastline which is why the surrounding area got the name, “Florida’s Treasure Coast”. He then went on to discover the main pile of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha in July of 1985.
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 do you authenticate shipwreck coins?
NGC Genuine Designation for Authenticated Shipwreck Coins Recovered artifacts may be identified by attestation from the individuals who discovered the wreck, an independent archeological survey or other means. The assigned pedigree and authenticity of the wreck are subsequently confirmed independently by NGC experts.
Who does sunken treasure belong to?
The United States passed the Abandoned Shipwrecked Act in 1987. That Act gives title of all shipwrecks within U.S. waters to the United States and not to the discoverer of the shipwreck. U.S. territorial waters extend at least three miles from the coast line.
How much was the Atocha worth?
$400 million
With an estimated worth of some $400 million, the Atocha treasure made Fisher, his family members and other investors millionaires. Thanks to efforts by historians and archaeologists as well as environmentalists, Fisher’s success led to reforms in the laws governing shipwrecks and salvage.
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.
Are Atocha coins valuable?
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.
What is Mel Fisher’s treasures?
Mel Fisher’s Treasures is the world leader in historic shipwreck recovery and the source for authentic shipwreck treasure! Mel Fisher was a dreamer, a visionary, a legend and most importantly, the World’s Greatest Treasure Hunter.
Why Mel Fisher’s treasures Atocha and Margarita?
Every Atocha and Margarita historic artifact from Mel Fisher’s Treasures is guaranteed to be authentic and comes with a documented Certificate of Authenticity that can trace the artifact from the seabed where our divers recovered it, to our conservation lab, to our store, and finally to you. GOLD AND SILVER COINS FOUND ON ATOCHA SITE!!!
Who is Mel Fisher and what did he do?
Andy also heard of a man named Mel Fisher, a treasure hunter and diver looking for a lost Spanish galleon. Having never heard of a diving job that involved searching for treasure, it was Andy’s curiosity that led him, with his resume, into Mel’s office the following day.
How can I join the search for the remaining treasure?
You, too, can join the search for the remaining treasure by visiting our member relations department, or “Own a Piece of History” by visiting our gift shops or shopping online. As Mel Fisher would say, “Today’s the Day!” Visit our Treasure Blog for fascinating Mel Fisher treasure stories