The Jewels of Lima: An Enduring Mystery Estimated Current Value: $148 million*
Disappeared: 1820
Found: N/A
The Jewels of Lima, also known as the Treasure of Lima, represent a legendary collection of riches that remain buried and unaccounted for. In today's currency, this treasure is estimated to be worth as much as $208 million. The treasure was originally shipped from Lima, Peru, to Mexico during a time of political turmoil in 1820, as the Viceroy sought to protect the valuable hoard amidst the unrest.
The Legend of the Jewels of Lima Source: @andeanadventuresperu/Pinterest
The crew tasked with transporting the Jewels of Lima to Mexico ultimately succumbed to the temptation of the treasure's immense wealth. In a shocking turn of events, the guards and priests aboard the ship were murdered, their bodies discarded overboard. Following this betrayal, the crew buried the precious riches on Cocos Island, Costa Rica, intending to return for them once the chaos had subsided. However, that plan never came to fruition, and rumors persist that the treasure remains unclaimed on Cocos Island to this day.
