Authorities assert that they used coins found within a wreck off the coast of Colombia to establish that it was indeed the legendary San Jose, which reportedly carried around $20 billion in treasure.
The Colombian government deployed unmanned vehicles to examine the remnants of 18th-century ships, aiming to verify the discovery of a lost Spanish galleon.
An assessment was conducted to document sections of the wreck, capturing images of coin-like objects for further analysis.
Coins were photographed and analyzed from the ship’s stern storage area.
Using photogrammetry, researchers created 3D models of the artifacts, including the coins, to ascertain their age and origin.
Marks on the coins indicated they were minted in 1707 in Lima, Peru.
Additionally, a coat of arms representing Castile and León was found, suggesting it belonged to a Hispanic galleon.
The coins showcased various symbols, including a cross and Hercules, with one coin reflecting the Escudo de 8 denomination, which was a common currency in America for over two centuries.
“These coins are crucial for dating and understanding material culture, especially concerning shipwrecks,” said researcher Daniela Vargas Aliza. “They were known as cobs in English and macquina in Spanish, and they were widely used.”
Vargas Aliza previously worked with the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History.
San Jose was a principal vessel in a fleet transporting treasures back to Spain during the Spanish War of Succession. The ship sank on June 8, 1708, after being attacked by a British warship, resulting in a loss estimated at $20 billion in precious metals and gems.
The wreck’s location remained unidentified until the latter part of the 20th century, when an American company claimed to have found it and shared coordinates with the Colombian government, which led to a profit-sharing agreement involving the treasures.
While Colombian officials maintain they haven’t located the wreck at those coordinates, they announced the discovery of San Jose in a different location in 2015.
The American company subsequently sued the Colombian government, alleging violations related to an earlier discovery.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has initiated measures to preserve the wreck, with plans to excavate treasures by the end of his term in 2026.
A declaration was made in 2024 recognizing the site as “protected archaeological territory,” ensuring its long-term preservation.
The Ministry of Culture has committed to protecting the heritage and facilitating research and conservation activities.
Initial ambitions included a public-private partnership for recovering the ship; however, no official confirmation of the San Jose’s discovery has been declared yet.
