In May 2007, Odyssey announced the discovery of the “Black Swan,” a Colonial period site located in the Atlantic Ocean. Yielding over 500,000 silver coins weighing more than 17 tons, hundreds of gold coins, worked gold, and other artifacts, it is believed that this recovery constitutes the largest collection of coins ever excavated from a deep-ocean site. Odyssey Marine Exploration has completed an extensive pre-disturbance archaeological survey of the “Black Swan” site, including recording over 14,000 digital still images which were used to create a photomosaic of the site. During the preliminary excavation, the recovery of artifacts was accomplished under the supervision of qualified archaeologists and followed rigorous archaeological protocols using advanced robotic technology. The coins and artifacts were brought into the United States with a valid export license, and imported legally pursuant to US Law. Odyssey brought the recovered items under the jurisdiction of the US Federal Court by filing an Admiralty arrest action. This procedure allows any legitimate claimant with an interest in the property to make a claim.
