Archaeologists retrieve first treasure items from $20B ‘Holy Grail’shipwreck off Colombia

Archaeologists in Colombia have retrieved the first items from the fabled San José galleon, a wreck known as the “Holy Grail of shipwrecks” due to its sheer amount of treasure.

The galleon, which sank in theCaribbean Seain 1708 during an attack by a British fleet, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and international disputes since it was discovered in 2015.

The shipwreck is believed to contain about 11 million gold and silver coins, along with emeralds and other valuable cargo.Its treasure is worth as much as $20 billion. 

The San José was carrying chests full of jewels and gold coins when it sank on its way toKing Philip V of Spain.

The San José galleon sank while carrying gold and jewels bound for King Philip V of Spain in 1708.(Leemage/Corbis via Getty Images;Colombian Presidency/Handout via Reuters)

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On Thursday, Colombia’s culture ministry announced thatarchaeologists have recovereda porcelain cup, three coins and a cannon from the site.

Pictures released by the government show President Gustavo Petro marveling at the ancient bronze cannon that was retrieved, which has remained in remarkable condition.

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The first recovered items include a porcelain cup, three coins and a remarkably preserved bronze cannon.(Colombian Presidency/Handout via Reuters)

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The wreckage’s exact location has been kept a state secret, and it lies nearly 2,000 feet deep in the sea.

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Petro’s government has affirmed that the deep-water expedition is focused on research, not treasure hunting.

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Though the San Jose galleon remains the world’s most valuable known shipwreck, other notable maritime discoveries have surfaced in 2025.

Officials previously shared photos of the wreck showing remnants of the San José galleon, known as the “Holy Grail of shipwrecks.”(Reuters)

This summer, a group of marine experts determined the exact location of Captain James Cook’sHMS Endeavour,the ship used to reach the eastern coast of Australia.

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In June, officials unveiled thedeepest-recorded shipwreckin French waters, off the coast of Ramatuelle.The ship still retained ancient cargo, including well-preserved porcelain.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.