At some point or another, the thought of searching for treasure has probably crossed everyone's mind. But few have ever made it their life's mission. But legendary treasure hunters Mel and Dolores Fisher did, and their efforts paid off--with a historic (and epic) $450 million discovery in Florida Keys during the 1980s. The Nuestra Señorade Atocha, a Spanish royal guard galleon, had sunk off the coast of Florida and boosted some of the world's greatest treasures. The Fishers spent almost two decades tracking it down. Now, a portion of the couple's private collection is going up for auction. Check out some of the elaborate and fascinating pieces, ranging from a $500,000 chalice and solid gold housewares to ornate jewelry and a large 400-year-old emerald from one of the best mines in the world.
Here, this ingot was recovered from a clump of silver bars from the 1622 Atocha that were encrusted together.
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Recovered in 1994, the brilliant green emerald is approximately 2.5 karats and originated from Colombia's famed Muzo mine, which extracts some of the highest-quality emeralds in the world.
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The gold bars found in the 1622 Atocha shipwreck were in pristine condition when they were recovered in 1979. This bar is stamped with the Pñaranda insignia and made numerous television appearances with Mel. He often carried it in his pocket to show people curious of his treasure hunting adventures. The gold coins were recovered in 1970 and were minted in Old World Seville, Spain.
Recovered from the 1622 Atocha in 1985, this gold and pearl pendant most likeley held a massive gemstone in its center. It features a cross design and intricate floral patterns popular in Europe during the 1500s.
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Found in the wreckage of the 1622 Atocha in 1986, this gold disc features six tax stamps noting the tax had been paid, four purity stamps noting its 16 karats and one foundry stamp.
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This gold chain recovered from the 1622 Margarita was recovered in 1985 was one of Dolores's favorites.
Found in the 1622 Atocha treasures in 1985, this two-piece silver box acted as a portable heater. It was considered a grand luxury and sign of wealth during that time.
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One of the most spectacular pieces in the auction, this intricately ornate gold chalice may have once belonged to a Duke or Baron. It was discovered among the 1622 Maragarita treasures in 2008.
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Designed with an elaborate back and stem, this spoon is of Peruvian and Spanish origin. It was recovered in 1986 during a dive of the 1622 Atocha. Spoons like this were often used for ceremonial purposes to to dispense commodities of great value.
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This gold and emerald cross from the 1715 Spanish Fleet was sealed shut in an ornate gold box due to being underwater for centuries. It was possible meant as a gift to the Duchess of Palma from King Philip V or Spain.
Recovered from the 1715 Fleet in 1989, this 22 karat gold frame is believed to be part of a small container used to hold the Eucharist.
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This small devotional talisman was most likeley a personal object of a passenger aboard the 1622 Santa Margarita. It once featured a very fine painting in the center so detailed that it is assumed to have been painted with a single horse hair as a brush.
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