Three decades ago, American treasure hunter Mel Fisher discovered sunken treasure valued at about $450 million from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, the most famous member of a fleet of Spanish ships that sank in 1622 after sailing into a violent hurricane. To mark the thirty-year anniversary of this astonishing discovery, on August 5, New York City-based auction house Guernsey’s will auction off select items from Fisher’s esteemed collection. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Michael Abt, Jr. Have a Heart Foundation, which works to provide Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) to schools nationwide.

Fisher’s daily mantra, "Today's the Day!", kept his spirits alive throughout this lengthy and costly expedition. On July 20, 1985 his perseverance paid off: over 40 tons of silver and gold were located at the site of the wreck off the Marquesas Keys. Including more than 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "pieces of eight," gold coins, the finest Colombian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts, and over 1,000 silver bars, the Atocha contained riches vast enough to replenish the nearly depleted treasury of the Spanish Crown.

Guernsey’s will hold an auction of nearly 40 treasured items retrieved from the Atocha, as well as other extraordinary wrecks discovered by Mel Fisher and his team. Guernsey’s will also be offering approximately 100 rare and sought-after silver coins from the Atocha and her sister ship, the Santa Margarita.

A portion of the proceeds from this Auction will go to benefit the Michael Abt, Jr. Have a Heart Foundation, which works to provide Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) to schools nationwide. Michael was a bright, active, and popular young 12 year-old boy who collapsed during his weekly gym class. The cause was Sudden Cardiac Arrest; and despite the efforts of numerous coaches, teachers, and school officials who tried to administer CPR, no AED was present – an instrument which could have saved Michael’s life. The Have a Heart Foundation continues to raise money to purchase AEDs and professional training for school staff throughout the United States in Michael Abt, Jr.’s name.

Immediately preceding the sale of items from the Fisher family’s revered Collection will be 65 lots offered by the Arader Gallery. Beginning at 5:30pm, these pieces highlight the history of Caribbean pirates and their treasure. Amongst the items offered will be historic maps and views, paintings and watercolors, parrot engravings by Jacques Barraband, plus rare books and atlases.

A beautiful collectors’ catalogue showcases the many items with detailed photographs and descriptions. It will be available for $20 in person; $28 shipped domestically or $48 shipped internationally. To order the catalogue, click here: Catalogue Order Form