Treasure hunters recover rare silver bar from legendary shipwreck off Florida Keys

Divers with Mel Fisher's Shipwreck Expeditions, working from the salvage vessel DARE, found the silver bar at the wreck site of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha.

Captain Drake Nicholas and the crew recovered the silver bar from about 50 feet of water off Key West, Florida, according to a press release.

The wreck's famed "Mother Lode" was discovered by treasure hunter Mel Fisher's team in 1985 and continues to yield artifacts more than four decades later.

"The crew used an airlift to remove layers of sand and sediment while working slowly around the target," Browne told Fox News Digital.

"As more of the object became exposed, it became clear we were looking at a silver bar."

The silver bar was "heavily encrusted" with marine growth, Browne added, and is currently undergoing conservation to remove the buildup.

"One of its most distinctive features is the small depression on the top surface where it was tested for purity before being loaded aboard the Atocha in 1622."

Browne noted that, although this is the first silver bar recovered by the expedition from the Atocha since 1999, the crew has recovered hundreds of silver bars from the wreck since the ship's main treasure deposit was discovered in 1985.

"This silver bar is exciting because it reminds us that significant discoveries are still being made," he added.

Even after decades of excavations by Mel Fisher's expedition, Browne said the Atocha still holds more treasures waiting to be uncovered.

"Historical records indicate that hundreds of silver bars, along with thousands of silver coins, emeralds and other artifacts, still remain on the Atocha and Santa Margarita wreck sites," he said - noting the crew recovered three silver coins in a single day in late June.

"Every recovery adds another piece to the story and helps guide the expedition toward future discoveries," Browne added.