New research has brought us closer than ever to confirming the identity of one of the most famous shipwrecks in history—the San José Galleon.
This Spanish warship, lost off the coast of Colombia in 1708 during a battle with the British, was believed to be carrying a massive treasure of gold, silver, and valuable goods from South America to Spain.
Now, thanks to advanced underwater imaging and the careful study of coins scattered across the ocean floor, researchers have gathered strong evidence that the wreck is indeed that of the San José.
The investigation was led by Daniela Vargas Ariza of Colombia’s Naval Academy and the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History. Her team worked with the Colombian navy to examine the wreck using a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
This robot was able to explore the shipwreck without disturbing it, capturing detailed images of coins lying undisturbed for over 300 years.
The coins turned out to be key to solving the mystery.
Using a technique called photogrammetry, the team created 3D reconstructions of the coins from high-resolution images. This allowed researchers to read symbols and details on their surfaces, such as dates, mint marks, and coats of arms.
The coins were identified as “macuquinas”—irregularly shaped silver coins, also called “cobs” in English, that were widely used in colonial Latin America.
Crucially, several of the coins were minted in Lima, Peru, in 1707. Since the San José was sunk in 1708, this matches the historical timeline. Records show that these coins were part of a large treasure shipment from Peru, and the San José was among the ships responsible for transporting that cargo across the Atlantic.
During the colonial period, massive fleets carried wealth from Spanish colonies back to Europe. The San José was the lead ship of the Tierra Firme Fleet, which had exclusive rights to move royal treasures between South America and Spain.
When it sank during the War of Spanish Succession, it took with it an enormous fortune and left behind a mystery that endured for centuries.
Although the Colombian government first located the shipwreck in 2015, this new study of the coins provides the clearest link yet between the wreck and the San José.
While the research doesn’t fully confirm the ship’s identity, it greatly strengthens the case and highlights how important even small objects like coins can be in uncovering historical truths.
The discovery also offers a rare chance to study an untouched underwater archaeological site, shedding new light on 18th-century maritime trade, shipbuilding, and colonial economies.
