I’ve always wanted to learn to SCUBA dive. It’s been something on my list of things to do for some time, and eventually I’ll get there. But here’s one more reason we should all get certified.
That USA Today article tells the tale of deep sea explorers who have salvaged over 17 tons of gold and silver coins dating back to colonial-era America. The haul is estimated to be worth a whopping $500 million. For various reasons, the salvage company has not divulged any information about the ship or it’s location as of yet, but it is said to lay in International Waters, and is subject to the rights of salvage at sea. The salvage team has already pulled up more than 500,000 coins and artifacts that are said to be in better condition than typical finds of this type.
That settles it, I’m going to book my scuba classes immediately. Anyone want to join The Adventure Blog salvage team?
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I’m ready for a career change into the exciting world of marine salvage. Where do I sign up?
I hear you! I might leave the highly lucrative world of blogging behind for a job like this one! 😉
When I was a news photographer 10 years ago I did a story about some salvage divers on the Atocha. These divers had to travel around the coutry constantly giving artifact shows due to the fact that they always were paid for their services in actual “treasure”.
They were paid well, but it took a lot of effort to sell these treasures. One of the divers was very matter of fact: a “valuable” coin or piece of eight has no value until somebody buys if from you. You can’t exactly go to the bank and pay your mortgage with these things. They have to be sold and turned into modern currency.
Sorry, don’t want to be a buzzkill, but I just always thought that was interesting!
Jon
http://www.therestofeverest.com
As always, you have some great insights Jon. That is definitely interesting. I guess I always figured that they sold the salvage to an auction house and the crew was paid from there.
Getting paid in treasure doesn’t sound great. I wonder how much a gold doubloon goes for on Ebay.