On September 6th, 1622, a Spanish treasure galleon named "Nuestra Señora de Atocha" (Our Lady of Atocha) was part of a fleet of ships that sank in a hurricane off the Florida Keys. At the time of her sinking, Nuestra Señora de Atocha was heavily laden with copper, silver, gold, tobacco, gems, and indigo from Spanish ports at Cartagena and Porto Bello in New Granada (present-day Colombia and Panama, respectively) and Havana, bound for Spain. The ship was named after a holy shrine in Madrid, Spain, and served as the almirante (rear guard) for the Spanish fleet, trailing behind the other ships in the flota to prevent an attack from the rear.

This all changed in 1969 when a tenacious treasure hunter named Mel Fisher embarked on a quest to locate the fabled Atocha. His unwavering pursuit continued for an astounding 16 years, persisting until 1985. Throughout this arduous journey, fragments of the long-lost treasure began to surface, tantalizing hints of the riches concealed beneath the ocean's depths.

Atocha Coin 8 Reale

However, this quest was not without its perils. The treacherous sea claimed the lives of three valiant members of Fisher's crew when their boat tragically capsized, casting a shadow of tragedy over their determined efforts.

Yet, on a fateful day, the 20th of July in 1985, fortune finally favored Mel Fisher and his dedicated team. They achieved the seemingly impossible, discovering the illustrious Atocha and its troves of precious gold and silver. It marked a momentous triumph, the culmination of years of unwavering determination and relentless pursuit. After 17 years of searching for this sunken ship, Mel Fisher and his team finally found the mother-load.

Yet, the journey was far from over. In the wake of this monumental discovery, a legal battle unfolded as the state of Florida sought to assert its claim over the Atocha's silver and gold. Mel Fisher, undeterred, faced the courtroom with unwavering resolve. The court case saw its way up the legal latter, all the way to the supreme court. In a landmark victory, he successfully defended his right to the treasure, securing ownership over the valuable cargo. 

Atocha Coins

These Atocha Coins, like the ones pictured above, are not only historically significant but also incredibly valuable and rare. They are a testament to the rich history of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, the indomitable spirit of treasure hunters like Mel Fisher, and the enduring allure of hidden treasures beneath the ocean's depths. The significance of this incredible find was not lost on the world. The Guinness Book of Records duly recognized the Atocha as the most valuable shipwreck ever discovered, with an estimated worth of a staggering $400 million.