Check out these incredible treasures from around the world. From sunken ships full of gold to hidden ancient jewels, these 34 finds (some are still lost) are some of the most valuable ever discovered. Each one has a unique story, making history’s greatest treasures even more fascinating.
1. Dead Sea Copper Scroll Treasures
In 1952, archaeologists unearthed a unique copper scroll in a cave near the Dead Sea, at the Qumran site. This wasn’t just any old scroll. It was a treasure map! The Copper Scroll lists 64 places stuffed with gold and silver. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, there’s a catch. The locations are described so vaguely that even Indiana Jones would have trouble finding them. Historians think some of these treasures might have been snatched by Romans, but many spots remain untouched.
2. Lost Inca Gold
This hidden Inca treasure trove is said to be stashed away somewhere in the Peruvian jungle. The Incas, desperate to save their gold from European invaders, supposedly hid it in this mysterious city. Paititi has become almost mythical, much like El Dorado. Researchers have found hints and clues in nearby settlements, but the exact location remains a mystery. Is Paititi real, or just a fantastic legend? The truth is still out there, waiting to be discovered!
3. Jewels of King John
King John of England, famed for his vast collection of jewelry and gold, met a tragic end in 1216. While traveling through Norfolk, he contracted dysentery and opted for a safe route back to Newark Castle. His soldiers, carrying his treasure, took a dangerous shortcut through the swamps. The treasure, including crowns inherited from his grandmother, vanished. King John died days later, leaving behind one of history’s greatest mysteries. Did the treasure sink in the swamp or get stolen by his own men? The truth remains lost with the king.
4. Romanov Easter Eggs
Peter Carl Faberge, the genius Russian jeweler, crafted the famous Faberge Eggs. It all started in 1885 when Tsar Alexander III commissioned an elaborate Easter egg for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. What seemed like a plain white gold egg revealed layers of surprises: a golden yolk, a golden hen with ruby eyes, and even a miniature imperial crown. This dazzling “Hen” egg set off a royal tradition. Alexander III and his successor, Nicholas II, commissioned 44 more eggs. Though around 70 eggs were made, 8 royal eggs are still missing. These lost treasures are now worth millions, adding to their mystique.
5. Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant is one of the Bible’s most mystical objects. Spielberg’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark” had Indiana Jones hunting for this legendary artifact. According to the Bible, it’s a gold-plated chest of acacia wood symbolizing God’s presence. Inside were a golden pot with “heavenly manna,” Aaron’s rod, and the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Israelites carried the ark to the Promised Land, where its divine power made them unbeatable. Last seen during King Josiah’s reign in the 7th century BC, it likely vanished during Babylon’s conquest of Jerusalem in 587 BC. Its whereabouts remain a mystery, never to be replicated or found again.
6. The Amber Room
The Amber Room, a masterpiece of Russian and German craftsmanship, was the pride of the Romanov House. It vanished during World War II, sparking endless debate. Peter the Great received this Baroque marvel, adorned with amber and gold, from Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm I in 1716. Dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World, it was stolen during Hitler’s reign. Allegedly surviving bombings in Konigsberg in 1944, it disappeared without a trace when Soviet troops captured the city. This exceptional treasure remains one of history’s greatest mysteries.
7. The Library of the Moscow Tsars
The Library of the Moscow Tsars, or Ivan the Terrible’s library, is a legendary collection of ancient books. Despite no concrete evidence, it’s believed to have contained over 800 volumes, including Greek and Roman masterpieces inherited from Ivan’s grandmother Sofia. Known for his cruelty, Ivan added rare manuscripts from Europe. The collection reportedly included 142 volumes of Titus Livius’ History of Rome and Cicero’s complete De Re Publica. Legend says Ivan hid the library in Moscow, but after his death in 1584, its location remains unknown.
8. Lost Dutchman Mine
If you’re into treasure hunting, you’ve surely heard of the Lost Dutchman Mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. This alleged gold mine, found by a Mexican family in the early 1800s, was kept secret until most of the family was killed by Apaches. The last known person to see the mine was Jacob Walzer, a German immigrant, who found it in the late 1800s and hid part of the gold. Before his death in 1891, he shared the mine’s location with only one person, his neighbor. Despite many attempts, no one has found it, and the area is now considered cursed, as many seekers have vanished.
9. The Knights Templar Treasure
The Knights Templar, founded in 1119, were a powerful religious military order protecting Christian pilgrims and the kingdom of Jerusalem. Over time, they amassed immense wealth and influence, becoming a significant threat to some rulers. In 1307, King Philip IV of France, with the Pope’s help, arrested the most influential knights and raided their treasury. However, the treasure was gone. What the Templar treasure is and where it’s hidden remains a mystery that has fascinated the world for centuries.
10. The Tomb of Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan’s death in 1227 remains a mystery. Some say he died from battle injuries, others claim he fell from his horse. He wished to be buried in an unmarked grave in Mongolia’s Burkhan Khaldun Mountains. His soldiers buried him there without any markers. Legends say soldiers involved were killed to keep the secret, and a thousand horses were released to hide signs of burial. Despite centuries of searching, no trace of his tomb has been found, making it one of history’s greatest lost treasures.
11. The Staffordshire Hoard
The Staffordshire Hoard is the most significant find of Anglo-Saxon treasure, consisting of 11 pounds of gold and silver. These early medieval artifacts, likely from the 6th and 7th centuries, include 4,600 religious and military objects and fragments. In 2009, a metal detector enthusiast found hundreds of gold items on farmland near Staffordshire, England. Archaeologists then found thousands more in a 30 by 43-foot area. While the hoard’s owner remains unknown, the items are now on display at the Birmingham Museum.
12. The San Jose Galleon
The San Jose, a ship from the Spanish Armada, sank in 1708 near Cartagena, Colombia, after a fierce battle. It carried an astonishing $17 billion worth of gold, emeralds, and silver. In 2015, an oceanographic institution discovered the wreckage, but the treasure remains underwater. The Colombian government aims to recover the ship and its contents, hoping to assess and possibly auction the goods. This makes the San Jose one of history’s most valuable shipwrecks.
13. Le Catillion II (The Grouville Hoard)
In 2012, metal detectorists struck gold on Jersey Island’s east side, uncovering 70,000 Roman and Iron Age coins. The origins of these coins remain a mystery, but some speculate they belonged to a Gallic tribe fleeing Julius Caesar’s troops around 60 BC. Besides the vast number of silver coins, the hoard included glass beads, gold sheets, silver wire, and gold neck rings. This discovery is one of the largest and most intriguing hoards ever found.
14. Black Swan Project
In 1804, a Spanish frigate sank with a fortune in silver and gold coins, now valued at $500 million. Odyssey Marine Exploration discovered this treasure and called the recovery the ‘Black Swan Project.’ However, the Spanish government sued the American company, demanding the treasure’s return after they had kept the find a secret. This legal battle highlighted one of the most dramatic and valuable shipwreck recoveries in history.
15. St. Albans Hoard
A beginner metal detectorist struck gold near Hertfordshire, England, uncovering one of Britain’s largest gold coin hoards. This treasure trove, known as the St. Albans Hoard, consists of nearly 160 solidi, pure gold coins from the Late Roman Empire, dating back to the 4th century AD. These coins were likely buried to safeguard wealth or for religious reasons. Solidi were valuable, often used for significant purchases like land or bulk goods. This discovery sheds light on the economic practices of ancient Rome.
16. The Panagyurishte Treasure
In 1949, three brothers in Panagyurishte, Bulgaria, discovered an amazing treasure. This hoard belonged to the ancient Thracians and includes 24-karat gold bowls, containers, and wine jugs. This incredible find is one of the most valuable treasures in Europe. Today, you can see these golden artifacts in various Bulgarian museums. Sometimes, they even go on tour abroad, allowing more people to marvel at their beauty and historical significance.
17. The Titanic
The Titanic is one of the most famous shipwrecks ever. On April 14, 1912, it struck an iceberg, leading to the loss of 1,500 lives. Over the years, many valuable items have been recovered from the wreck. A first-class menu sold for over $100,000 at auction. A violin played during the sinking fetched $1.4 million. Various jewels have been valued at $200 million, and a megalodon tooth necklace has yet to be priced. These artifacts reveal the luxury and tragedy surrounding the Titanic.
18. The Cuerdale Hoard
Ever wondered if Viking treasure really exists? The Cuerdale Hoard proves it does! Discovered by workers near a riverbank in Lancashire, England, this lead box held an astonishing 8,600 silver items. It’s one of the largest Viking hoards ever found and includes coins, Carolingian jewelry, ingots, and hack silver. The treasure was likely buried between 903 and 910, soon after the Vikings left Dublin. This find gives us an exciting peek into the wealth of the Viking era.
19. The Sroda Treasure
In the mid-1980s, demolition work in the historic Polish town of Sroda led to a stunning discovery: the Sroda Treasure. This impressive hoard includes gold and silver coins, as well as royal jewelry like gold crowns and clasps. The find is considered one of the most significant in Poland. While there’s some debate about the original owner, most historians agree that King Charles IV of the House of Luxembourg is the rightful claimant to this magnificent collection.
20. Saddle Ridge Hoard
The Saddle Ridge Hoard, found in Northern California’s Shasta Cascade region, is a remarkable stash of Gold Rush coins from the mid to late 1800s. A couple discovered the treasure while walking their dog, spotting the top of a rusty can buried in the dirt. Although the gold coins were worth about $27,000 back then, their current value has soared to $10 million. This discovery is the largest gold coin treasure ever recovered in the United States.
21. Caesarea Sunken Treasure
In the ancient harbor of Caesarea National Park, divers found a huge hoard of gold coins, making it one of the largest in Israel. Nearly 2,000 coins were discovered on the sea floor. Most believe a treasury boat carrying taxes to Egypt sank, leaving this treasure behind. Despite being underwater for a thousand years, the coins are in excellent condition. This discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and adds an exciting chapter to Israel’s rich history. The treasure’s preservation and the story behind it make it a remarkable find for historians and enthusiasts alike.
22. Bactrian Gold
The Bactrian Gold Hoard is an amazing find, full of silver, gold, and ivory items. This treasure likely belonged to the Yuezhi, an ancient Chinese people, and includes coins from around 20 BCE. Archaeologists found the hoard in six burial mounds in Northern Afghanistan, containing one man and five women. Among the treasures are ancient coins, necklaces, belts, a crown, and medallions. This discovery gives us a fascinating look into the rich history and artistry of the ancient world.
23. Neolithic Jewelry Discovery
In an ancient grave, archaeologists discovered one of the oldest pieces of Neolithic jewelry. The grave belonged to an eight-year-old girl. She was buried with a stunning necklace made of 2,500 colorful elements, including amber beads, a stone pendant, and an engraved mother-of-pearl ring. The necklace was found around the child’s neck, a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of that era. This find offers a poignant glimpse into the past and the traditions of Neolithic societies.
24. Ancient Armenian Tomb
In Armenia, archaeologists unearthed an ancient tomb dating back to the late Bronze Age, around 1,300 B.C.E. This grave was rich with gold pendants and beads made of amber and carnelian. Among a cemetery of about 100 graves, this tomb stood out. It contained the remains of a man and a woman buried together, adorned with jewelry made of bronze and tin. This discovery sheds light on the burial practices and craftsmanship of that era.
25. The Lost Aztec Gold
In the early 16th century, the Aztec Empire thrived under Montezuma until Hernán Cortes and his conquistadors arrived in 1519. Montezuma became a puppet ruler and died mysteriously in 1520. During an Aztec rebellion on June 30, 1520, Cortes and his men tried to escape Tenochtitlan with a large haul of Aztec gold. One vessel sank in a canal, leading to many Spanish deaths and the loss of gold. This event, “La Noche Triste” or the “Night of Sadness,” saw much of the treasure lost. Recently, a gold bar was found in Mexico City, a reminder of this still-missing treasure.
26. Sarcophagus of Menkaure
The pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three Giza pyramids, was built around 4,500 years ago. In the 1830s, English officer Howard Vyse explored the Giza pyramids, sometimes using explosives to get through. Vyse discovered an ornate sarcophagus in Menkaure’s pyramid and attempted to ship it to England in 1838 aboard the Beatrice. However, the ship sank, taking the sarcophagus with it. If the Beatrice is ever found, retrieving this ancient artifact might be possible.
27. Honjo Masamune Sword
The Honjo Masamune, crafted by the legendary swordsmith Masamune (1264-1343), is one of Japan’s greatest swords. Named after Honjo Shigenaga, who claimed it in a 16th-century battle, it later belonged to Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan’s first shogun. The sword remained with the Tokugawa family until the end of World War II, when it was surrendered to American authorities. The sword then vanished. It might have been destroyed or brought to America by soldiers, leaving its current whereabouts unknown.
28. Crown Jewels of Ireland
In 1907, the “crown jewels of Ireland” were stolen from Dublin Castle. These included a jeweled star, a diamond brooch, and five gold collars of the Order of St. Patrick. The jewels, made in 1783, featured stones from Queen Charlotte’s jewelry and rupees from a Mughal emperor. Lax security made the theft possible, and the jewels have never been found. Suspects included Francis Shackleton, but no one was proven guilty, leaving the case a mystery.
29. Sappho’s Lost Poems
Sappho, a famous Greek poet from the seventh century B.C., was known for her beautiful poems. Sadly, only a few of her works have survived. In 2014, Dirk Obbink from the University of Oxford found two new poems by Sappho. One talks about her brothers, and the other is about unrequited love. The origins of these poems are unclear. In 2021, an article explaining where they came from was retracted, leaving their true history a mystery.
30. The São Vicente’s Lost Treasure
In 1357, the ship São Vicente left Lisbon for Avignon, carrying treasures belonging to the late bishop of Lisbon, Thibaud de Castillon. The cargo included gold, silver, rings, tapestries, jewels, fine plates, and portable altars. Near Cartagena, Spain, the São Vicente was attacked by two pirate ships. One, led by Antonio Botafoc, was captured after running aground. The other, commanded by Martin Yanes, escaped with the treasure. The fate of Yanes, his crew, and the stolen goods remains a mystery.
31. The Florentine Diamond
The 137-carat yellow Florentine Diamond likely originated from India and possibly reached Europe by the late 15th century. Its exact journey is uncertain, with one story claiming Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, carried it into battle. After World War I, Austria-Hungary’s last emperor, Charles I, took the diamond to Switzerland and entrusted it to lawyer Bruno Steiner for sale. Steiner was later arrested for fraud and acquitted in 1924. The diamond’s current whereabouts are unknown, and it may have been recut into smaller gems.
32. Leonardo da Vinci’s Lost Battle of Anghiari
In 1505, Leonardo da Vinci painted a mural of the Battle of Anghiari in Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. By 1563, the mural disappeared during renovations by Giorgio Vasari. In 2012, experts suggested Vasari had painted over it, based on scientific tests, but this was never confirmed. In 2020, another team claimed da Vinci never painted the mural, a point still debated today. The fate and existence of the Battle of Anghiari mural remain a mystery.
33. The Fate of the Second Temple’s Menorah
Between A.D. 66 and 74, Jewish rebels fought against Roman control in Israel. In A.D. 70, Jerusalem fell to Roman forces led by General Titus, who later became emperor. The Romans destroyed the Second Temple, taking its treasures, including a large menorah, back to Rome. The Arch of Titus near the Colosseum depicts soldiers carrying this massive menorah. However, what happened to the menorah after it reached Rome remains unknown, adding to its historical mystery.
34. The Mysterious Copper Scroll
Among the Dead Sea Scrolls found in the Qumran caves, the Copper Scroll stands out. Engraved on copper, it details the location of a vast hidden treasure. Housed in a museum in Jordan, the scroll’s authenticity is debated. Written around A.D. 70, when the Romans were crushing Jewish rebellions and had destroyed the Second Temple, some scholars believe it describes real treasures hidden from the Romans. Others argue the treasure’s immense size suggests it is legendary. The true nature of the Copper Scroll’s treasure remains a mystery.
