Pirate Treasures – 5 Largest Hoards in History

Pirate treasures remain one of the most intriguing topics in maritime history. Stories of hidden treasures buried on deserted islands or sunk with ships continue to excite the minds of researchers and adventure seekers. This article presents five of the largest pirate treasures that have either been found or remain the subject of legends based on historical data.

1. The Whydah Treasures (1717)

The ship "Whydah", owned by pirate Samuel Bellamy, known as Black Sam, sank off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in April 1717. On board were treasures captured in more than 50 raids, including gold, silver, and jewels, estimated at $120 million in modern equivalent. In 1984, underwater archaeologist Barry Clifford discovered the remains of the ship, which became the first confirmed discovery of a pirate vessel in North America. Among the findings were silver coins, gold jewelry, and a ship's bell with the engraved name "Whydah." Some of the artifacts are exhibited at the Piracy Museum in Provincetown.

2. Captain Kidd's Treasure (1699)

William Kidd, a Scottish pirate and privateer, is considered one of the most famous pirates of the 17th century. His alleged treasure, hidden somewhere on the coast of North America or on Caribbean islands, is estimated at $180 million in today's prices. In 1699, Kidd was arrested in Boston, and his treasures were never found. In 2015, a 50 kg silver ingot was discovered off the coast of Madagascar, presumably linked to Kidd, but its origin remains controversial. Historians continue to examine documents to establish possible locations of the treasure.

3. Cocos Island Treasures (1820)

Cocos Island, located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Costa Rica, is considered the repository of one of the largest pirate treasures. In 1820, pirate Benito Bonito allegedly hid gold, silver, and jewels plundered from Spanish colonies on the island, worth about $300 million in modern prices. Despite numerous expeditions, including attempts in the 20th century using modern technologies, the treasure has never been found. Cocos Island remains a popular destination for treasure hunters, although access to it is restricted due to its national park status.

4. Florida's Gold (1715)

In July 1715, a Spanish fleet of 11 galleons transporting gold and silver from the New World to Spain was destroyed by a hurricane off the coast of Florida. Among the sunken vessels were ships captured by pirates, including the flagship "Nuestra Señora de la Concepción". The total value of the treasures is estimated at $400 million. Since the 1960s, divers and archaeologists have discovered thousands of gold and silver coins, as well as jewelry. In 2015, the Schmidt family found gold coins worth $1 million, confirming that part of the treasure still remains on the seabed.

5. Blackbeard's Treasure (1718)

Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was one of the most fearsome pirates of the Caribbean. His flagship, "Queen Anne's Revenge", sank off the coast of North Carolina in June 1718. It is believed that there were treasures worth about $100 million in modern prices on board, including gold and jewels plundered during raids. In 1996, archaeologists discovered the remains of the ship, but no significant treasures were found. Research continues, and scientists hope that part of the treasure is still hidden in the holds or on the seabed.

Conclusion

Pirate treasures continue to remain part of historical heritage, combining real findings and legends. Some treasures, such as the gold of the "Whydah" or the findings of 1715, have become archaeological sensations, while others, like the treasures of Kidd and Bonito, remain elusive. Modern technologies, including sonars and underwater drones, give hope for new discoveries, but many mysteries of pirate treasures will likely remain unsolved.