In the key west community, one would get labeled as having a Key West Dog Tag when a pieces of eight
set in a silver or gold charm from the Atocha or other Spanish shipwreck is worn around one’s neck.
The Atocha Story
1. The Shipwreck (1622)
On September 6, 1622, the Spanish treasure
ship Nuestra Señora de Atocha, part of King
Philip IV’s Tierra Firme Fleet, sank in a powerful hurricane near the Florida Keys. About 260 people died, and massive amounts of silver, gold, and other valuables were lost.
2. The Lost Treasure
The
ship was carrying over 1,000 silver bars, along with gold and other precious cargo. Most of the treasure belonged to private individuals. About four tons were royal
tax revenue, and 133 silver bars were packed in 34 boxes marked with the red crown of King
Philip IV.
3. The Discovery (1985)
After more than 350 years of failed search attempts, the wreck was finally located on July 20, 1985, by
Mel Fisher of Treasure Salvors, Inc., who discovered a large portion of the silver cargo and part of the
ship’s lower hull.
