The Golden Chalice of the Santa Margarita Current Estimated Value: $413,000*
Year Lost: 1622
Year Found: 2010s
In the 2010s, an exploration and excavation team known as Blue Water Ventures International made a groundbreaking discovery: a priceless golden chalice recovered from the wreck of the Spanish galleon Santa Margarita. This ship met its fate in the 1620s, sinking off the picturesque shores of the Florida Keys.
The chalice, an exquisite artifact of significant historical value, exemplifies the craftsmanship of the era and the wealth that Spanish galleons carried during their voyages. Its recovery not only adds to the treasure trove of artifacts from the Santa Margarita but also enhances our understanding of the maritime history of the time.
The Solid Gold Chalice: A Treasure from the Santa Margarita The solid gold chalice, featuring two elegantly crafted handles, was appraised at an impressive $413,000. At the time of its sinking, it belonged to a wealthy passenger aboard the Spanish galleon Santa Margarita. This remarkable artifact lay buried beneath a mound of sand, eighteen feet deep, until its discovery by the exploration team.
After being carefully unearthed and cleaned, the chalice was auctioned in New York in 2015, where it quickly found a new owner, highlighting its desirability and historical significance.
