Around here, treasure coin jewelry is kind of a big deal. We locals like to think that we all have a little pirate in us. We proudly display our “Pieces of Eight” on necklaces, rings, key chains, and other paraphernalia. So what’s this all about?
Flashback to 1985. For years, the former chicken farmer turned treasure hunter Mel Fisher had been doggedly searching for Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The treasure-packed Spanish galleon had sunk in a hurricane off the Florida Keys in 1622 en route back to Spain from Cuba, and Fisher was determined to find it.
Finally, on July 22, 1985, after 16 years of proclaiming “Today Is The Day,” Fisher’s crew hit pay dirt. They discovered the Atocha’s “Mother Lode” about 35 miles offshore from the Florida Keys.
Although Fisher initially found the first artifact from the ship in 1971, discovering the location of the main wreck along with its sister ship, the Santa Margarita, netted his crew more than 40 tons of silver and gold, including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as “Pieces of Eight,” gold coins, silver and gold artifacts, Colombian emeralds and over 1,000 silver bars.
Today you can acquire authentic treasure coin jewelry at various shops throughout the Keys. But for the real deal at great prices, check out Jeff’s Gem’s at 906 Kennedy Drive In Key West. Info:305-296-4367; JeffsGems.com.
Avast Me Hearties!