From Fox News · Andrea Margolis · · 1m 10s
Treasure hunters find 55-pound copper ingot at 400-year-old shipwreck
Treasure hunters locate massive copper ingot near Florida Keys shipwreck, hinting at 19 more targets.
In brief
Treasure hunters locate massive copper ingot near Florida Keys shipwreck, hinting at 19 more targets. Copper ingot from 1622 Spanish shipwreck shows path to larger treasure haul. Originally reported by Fox News.
Copper ingot discovery
Treasure hunters found a 55-pound copper ingot at the Nuestra Señora de Atocha shipwreck site off Florida Keys.
“I thought it was a cannon, but it ended up being a copper ingot, which was also very exciting.”
Historic shipwreck context
The Spanish galleon sank in 1622 during a hurricane while returning to Spain, carrying silver, gold, and emeralds.
Copper's historical value
Copper was a precious resource in the 1600s for making bronze cannons, owned only by royalty.
New technology reveals targets
Metal detectors now detect targets deeper in mud, leading to 19 high-value targets for exploration.
Recent silver bar find
Earlier this summer, the team discovered a 22.5-pound silver bar that remained intact despite marine growth.
Captain's confidence
Captain Drake Nicholas believes the copper ingot points to more treasure, including 19 new targets.
Historic significance
The Nuestra Señora de Atocha sank in 1622, making it one of the most significant Spanish shipwrecks in history.
The one thing
Copper ingot from 1622 Spanish shipwreck shows path to larger treasure haul.
