Lost Treasure: Tucker’s Cross

In 1955, Teddy Tucker discovered what was considered one of the most valuable finds of the 1594 shipwreck, the San Pedro, a Spanish galleon.  It was a seven emerald-studded 22-carat gold cross. On each of the arms and at the base of the cross were rings which hung tiny gold nails, representing the nails of the Crucifixion. It was an amazing find.

Tucker was a professional treasure hunter and diving off the coast of Bermuda when he uncovered the cross in shallow waters.  After diving for days, and finding quite a few relics from the shipwreck, but nothing spectacular, he was astonished when seeing the cross resting face down in the sands.  Turning it over, he saw the large emeralds and realized he had a truly magnificent find. Perseverance paid off.

So you might wonder why is the title ‘Lost Treasure’ and not ‘Found Treasure’?  Because this historical treasure has since gone missing.  Initially the cross was housed at the Bermuda Maritime Museum owned/run by Teddy Tucker and his wife.  The museum displayed numerous items found from shipwrecks, along with other maritime exhibits. The Tucker Cross, named after Teddy who found it, was one of the most exquisite on display.

It wasn’t noticed the cross was missing right away, or that it had actually been stolen.  The persons responsible knew exactly what they were doing and replaced the cross with a good enough replica to go unnoticed for how long?  No one knows exactly.

In 1975, Queen Elizabeth II was planning to visit the museum. It was shortly before her arrival that the cross in the museum was realized not to be the treasure found just twenty years before.

To this date, no one knows when exactly the treasure was stolen, or who took Tucker’s Cross.  Valued at over 250K today, a replica sits in its place at the museum.  A reminder of the treasure found.  The real cross, however, is once more a lost treasure waiting to be discovered again.

Who will find the cross this time?  Where does this precious relic wait to be discovered and returned for all to enjoy?  Will it ever be found again?

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Best of luck with all that you seek!  Always Treasure the Adventure!