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Tuesday, 20th July 2010 (905 views)

A collection of gold coins found hidden inside a cannon on a wrecked ship tell a story that sounds like pirate fiction, but is actually pirate fact, according to the treasure hunters who found them.

Gold Hound Treasure Divers is the company exploring the 1715 Spanish fleet off the coast of Florida.

Last week, the team discovered a cannon in shallow waters, alongside 22 gold coins with a face value of two escudos each.

However, while conservation work was being carried out on the cannon, 25 more gold coins and other denominations were found inside, at an estimated market value today of around half a million US dollars.

"For centuries, there has been talk of treasure possibly hidden inside of cannons but, up till today, that was only pirate lore. Now it's the real deal," says treasure hunter Captain Greg Bounds.

The cannon was found on July 16th with gold coins encrusted to its outer surface, raising hopes that more might be hidden inside.

 

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