13 Most Valuable Shipwreck Treasures Ever Found

Do you ever wonder what treasures lie at the bottom of the ocean? It’s a world of mysteries, unknown to us, but not all is lost to the dark blue seas!

There are thousands of sunken ships lying at the bottom of the ocean. Some hold treasures we can only dream about. Many were transporting goods, including jewels and gold coins.

Throughout the decades many sunken treasures were discovered from their final resting place on the ocean floor, while some were not. These findings give us a deeper gaze into history. We chose some of our favorites to teach you about 13 of the most valuable shipwreck treasures ever found.

World’s Oldest Shipwreck

While the exact date of this ship’s sinking is unknown, we know it was reportedly one of the world’s oldest because it’s dated to being over 3,000 years old from the Bronze Age. It was discovered in 2023 by an energy company undertaking surveys on the Mediterranean ocean floor.

Some items discovered included Canaanite amphorae or storage jars, notably two, believed to be from 1400 to 1300 BCE, and is a priceless discovery!

The Antikythera – First Century BCE

The Greek trade/cargo ship known as the Antikythera Wreck was an important historical discovery. Sponge divers discovered it during the early 1900s. They reportedly stopped over or near the Greek Island of Antikythera during a storm and found the wreckage while diving.

It resulted in an excavation that yielded priceless artifacts including a marble statue of Heracles, various artworks, glassware, marble horses, and pieces of jewelry. The most notable recovery was the advanced Antikythera Mechanism, also known as the “first analog computer.” It was used to calculate planetary orbits, including the sun and moon.

Nuestra Señora de Atocha – 1622

The “Atocha Motherlode,” is worth an estimated $450 to $500 million. The Atocha was owned by the Spanish King Phillip IV and built in 1620. It was part of a convoy of 28 ships sailing from Havana, Cuba to Spain during September 1622. It got caught in a hurricane in Florida and sank.

In 1969 treasure hunter Mel Fisher endeavored to search for the Atocha, which lasted 16 years before the main discovery in 1985. Some of the recovered treasures included gold and silver coins, bars, gems, and other artifacts like gold plates, chains, a chalice, silverware, and more. A true motherlode!

The San José – 1708

Known as the “Holy Grail” of shipwrecks, the San José galleon held an estimated worth of $18 to $20 billion in treasure. It consisted of jewelry, emeralds, gold, and silver. It was launched in 1698 and sank on 8 June 1708 during the War of the Spanish Succession after being attacked by the British ship Expedition.

The San José was discovered in 2015 by the Colombian Navy. It has become important to Colombia’s history and cultural wealth. There have also been ongoing ownership disputes around who discovered the wreckage first.

Whydah Gally – 1717

With an estimated $400 million worth, the Whydah Gally originally transported enslaved people from Africa to England. It was caught and taken over by pirates during its voyage in 1717  by the pirate Samuel Bellamy. His time as the new captain was short-lived as it sank in April 1717 due to a nor’easter.

Barry Clifford discovered the shipwreck in 1984. Among the found treasures onboard the Whydah Gally were gold and silver including artifacts like guns, cannons, and items like buckles and buttons.

Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes – 1804

The frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes was part of the Spanish Navy. It was launched in 1786 but sank in October 1804 by the British during the Battle of Cape Santa Maria.

The Odyssey Marine Exploration company discovered the wreck in May 2007 as part of their Black Swan Project. The treasure consisted of gold and silver coins with an estimated value of $500 million.

SS Central America – 1857

Also known as the “Ship of Gold”, the SS Central America was a sidewheel steamer. It sank in September 1857 due to a hurricane. It was famous for its large amount of gold onboard and was reportedly an “economic catastrophe” with an estimated value of $100 million in gold.

It was discovered in 1988 along with other artifacts like a pair of canvas jeans, a brass key with a tag, a photograph of a young woman, jewelry, and more. This shipwreck is unique because it gives us a peek into the California Gold Rush during the 1800s.

RMS Republic – 1909

The ocean liner known as the RMS Republic was built in 1903 and sank in 1909 when it collided with the SS Florida due to heavy fog conditions. The ship is also known as the Millionaire’s Ship as a reference to its wealthy passengers.

It was discovered in 1981 by Captain Martin Bayerle. The current value of the treasure has been estimated to be at least $10 billion. Among the findings are gold, silver, and thousands of artifacts.

Titanic – 1912

A ship most of us are familiar with and one that has touched our hearts was the British ocean liner RMS Titanic. It sank in April 1912 when it hit an iceberg en route to New York City from Southampton, England. Approximately 1,500 people died.

It was discovered by Robert Ballard and Jean-Louis Michel in 1985. Hundreds of priceless artifacts were recovered, including china, clothing, and stunning jewelry pieces. Valuable items remain on the ocean floor, including a recently discovered megalodon shark tooth necklace.

Empress of Ireland – 1914

The passenger ship known as the Empress of Ireland launched in January 1906 and sank in May 1914 on its way to Liverpool. It collided with the cargo ship called the Storstad due to fog. Tragically, over 1000 people died. It was one of Canada’s most notable passenger ships from the early 1900s.

An estimated $1 million worth of silver was recovered, with numerous other priceless artifacts discovered. This shipwreck is important because of its heritage value.

SS Gairsoppa – 1941

The SS Gairsoppa was a British cargo ship that sank in February 1941 when a German U-boat attacked it while it was low on fuel. It reportedly carried seven million ounces of silver, which is valued at almost $200 million.

Odyssey Marine Exploration discovered the shipwreck remains in the North Atlantic around three miles deep. In 2011, they were given a salvage contract and located the wreckage with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Bom Jesus – Date Unknown

A trading ship from Portugal known as Bom Jesus sailed to India in March 1533; however, the exact date of its sinking is uncertain. It is believed to have been caught in a storm near Namibia, Africa. It was discovered near Oranjemund in 2008 by workers for the De Beers diamond company.

What makes it one of the most valuable treasures in history isn’t just the gold, tin, and copper that were discovered: it is the recovery of over 100 ivory elephant tusks. DNA results from the tusks have helped researchers understand more of the forest elephant’s lives, as well as helping current conservation efforts.

A Mystery Ship: The Merchant Royal – 1641

We leave you with unfinished business. Known also as the “Eldorado of the Seas”, the Merchant Royal held an estimated worth of £1 billion. It was built in 1627 in London and reportedly sank in September 1641 in Land’s End, England.

It is believed to have also carried cargo meant for a Spanish ship that caught fire, which consisted of treasure that would pay 30,000 soldiers in Belgium. While some have claimed to find the wreck, it hasn’t been confirmed and is still a mystery to this day.