Back in Time Today
The world of piracy is filled with tales of daring adventures and hidden treasures. From the Caribbean to the coasts of Australia, pirates left behind caches of gold, silver, and jewels that continue to spark imaginations. Among these, some treasures remain the stuff of legends, never unearthed and waiting to be discovered. Here’s a look at 11 pirate treasures that are still missing, including one worth a staggering $400 million.
1. Captain William Kidd’s Treasure (Worth: $10M+)
Captain William Kidd, infamous for his turn from privateer to pirate, reportedly buried a portion of his loot before his arrest in 1699. A cache was discovered on Gardiners Island, New York, but the bulk, including gold, silver, and gems, remains elusive. Some believe it lies hidden on Long Island or in the Caribbean, sparking a centuries-long search. With each passing year, treasure hunters become more captivated by the possibility of unearthing this legendary hoard. Today, Kidd’s elusive fortune continues to beckon adventurers, promising untold riches and a connection to the swashbuckling past.
2. Henry Every’s $400 Million Haul (The Biggest Pirate Loot in History)
Henry Every’s tale is one of the most tantalizing in pirate lore. In 1695, he captured the Mughal treasure ship Ganj-i-Sawai, seizing what would be $400 million today in gold, silver, and jewels. Every vanished without a trace, leaving behind a mystery that has never been solved. Speculations place his treasure in the Bahamas, Madagascar, or India, drawing adventurers worldwide. The allure of finding the largest pirate loot in history continues to intrigue, promising fame and fortune to the lucky discoverer.
3. Blackbeard’s Lost Hoard
Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was notorious for his terrifying persona and cunning tactics. Although he boasted of hidden treasures, none have ever been found. Some believe it remains buried near Ocracoke Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, while others speculate it might be scattered across the Caribbean. Blackbeard’s enigmatic hoard continues to captivate treasure hunters and historians alike, eager to uncover the truth behind one of piracy’s most feared figures.
4. Olivier Levasseur’s Cryptic Treasure (The “Pirate’s Code”)
Olivier Levasseur, a French pirate also known as La Buse, left an enduring mystery with his cryptic code, the “La Buse cryptogram,” before his execution in 1730. Treasure hunters have long believed it points to a hidden stash of gold, diamonds, and silver worth over $250 million, possibly located in the Seychelles or Réunion Island. The enigmatic nature of Levasseur’s code has fueled generations of explorers, each hoping to unravel one of the most puzzling riddles in pirate history.
5. The Treasure of Lima (Worth: $200M+ in Church Gold)
In 1820, Spanish officials in Lima fled to avoid Simón Bolívar’s revolution, carrying a fortune in gold, silver, and jewels. Entrusting the treasure to a former pirate, Capt. William Thompson, proved disastrous as he allegedly hid it on Cocos Island or elsewhere in the Pacific. The Treasure of Lima remains one of the most sought-after pirate treasures, with its vast worth and mysterious whereabouts continuing to allure modern-day treasure seekers. The tale of betrayal and intrigue adds to its allure.
6. Jean Lafitte’s Louisiana Gold
Jean Lafitte, a French pirate and privateer, made his mark in the Gulf of Mexico. Legend has it he buried treasure in the Louisiana swamps or on Galveston Island, Texas. Lafitte’s charisma and cunning have kept his legend alive, drawing treasure hunters into the murky bayous in hopes of finding his hidden gold. The allure of Lafitte’s treasure is not just in its value but in the romanticism of a bygone pirate era, filled with intrigue and adventure.
7. The Whydah’s Missing Treasure (Only Partially Found)
In 1717, the pirate ship Whydah sank off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, during a violent storm. While some treasure was recovered in 1984, a substantial amount of gold and silver remains scattered underwater. The Whydah’s story is one of adventure and tragedy, blending the chaos of pirate life with the mystery of its lost riches. The shipwreck offers a tangible connection to the Golden Age of Piracy, inspiring modern explorers to dive into its depths in search of fortune.
8. José Gaspar’s Florida Treasure
José Gaspar, known as the “Gasparilla” pirate, allegedly wreaked havoc along Florida’s coast. Legends of his buried treasure near Sanibel Island or the Calusa River persist, weaving a rich tapestry of myth and reality. Though historians debate Gaspar’s existence, the romantic notion of his buried fortune continues to entice treasure hunters and adventurers. The whispers of hidden chests filled with gold and jewels fuel Florida’s folklore, making Gaspar’s story a captivating chapter in pirate lore.
9. Benito “Bloody Sword” Bonito’s Australian Loot
The Spanish pirate Benito Bonito, infamous for his ruthless exploits, allegedly buried a fortune in gold and silver near Victoria’s coast in the early 1800s. Despite extensive searches, his Australian loot remains undiscovered. Bonito’s fearsome reputation and the tantalizing prospect of hidden wealth continue to inspire treasure hunters to comb the rugged Australian landscape. The legend of “Bloody Sword” Bonito adds an edge of danger and mystery to this enduring treasure hunt.
10. The Lost Treasure of the Santa Maria (Columbus’ Ship?)
Christopher Columbus’ flagship, Santa Maria, sank in 1492 off the coast of Haiti. Though not strictly a pirate ship, it may hold gold and artifacts worth millions. The allure of discovering a piece of history from the Age of Exploration captivates archaeologists and treasure hunters alike. The Santa Maria’s lost treasure represents a bridge between the Old World and the New, offering a glimpse into a transformative period in human history.
11. Captain Thompson’s “Treasure of the Trinity”
In 1820, Captain Thompson stole a British treasure and allegedly hid 24 tons of gold and silver known as the “Treasure of the Trinity,” possibly in Costa Rica or on Cocos Island. The enigma of Thompson’s hoard intrigues treasure seekers, drawn by the promise of untold wealth. Its fabled existence is a testament to the enduring allure of pirate lore and the thrill of discovery in uncharted lands.