After three decades of mystery, the ‘Dom van Keulen’, a 17th-century Dutch trading ship carrying hundreds of Moroccan gold coins, has been positively identified. The shipwreck off Devon’s coast tells a fascinating tale of early modern global commerce and historic African-European connections.
- Shipwreck identified as Dutch trading vessel Dom van Keulen
- Cargo included 9,000 gold and silver European coins and Moroccan gold
- Exhibit currently displayed at the British Museum
What happened
The shipwreck was discovered off the coast of Devon, England, in 1995 by the South West Maritime Archaeology Group. It took 30 years of research to confirm the vessel as the Dom van Keulen, a Dutch trading ship that sailed from Morocco to the Netherlands in 1633. The ship was laden with a remarkable cargo, including 9,000 Barbary ducats, gold coins from Morocco, camel skins, gum arabic, and saltpeter.
Historical documents uncovered by independent historians reveal the ship encountered severe storms during its voyage. The vessel sprang a leak and sank near Salcombe on England’s south coast, though all crew members survived. While much of the cargo was salvaged in the 17th century, over 400 gold coins and other items remained on the seabed until rediscovered in the late 20th century.
Why it feels good
The identification of the Dom van Keulen shines new light on early modern trade routes connecting Africa, Europe, and the British Isles. This discovery highlights the wealth and craftsmanship tied to the Sa‘dian Sharifs dynasty of Morocco as well as the interconnected economies of the 17th century.
Bringing experts from maritime archaeology, history, and museum research together for decades reflects the dedication to uncovering our shared cultural heritage. The story brings alive the resilience of sailors from centuries ago and enriches appreciation for the global flow of goods, wealth, and knowledge in an era before modern transportation.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors can view the recovered gold coins and other cargo from the Dom van Keulen at the British Museum, where they offer a tangible link to historic trade between Morocco and Europe. Exhibits allow viewers to reflect on the long maritime journey and the vibrant trade networks of the 1600s.
For those interested in treasure stories, other remarkable finds include medieval coins uncovered during excavations and Viking age hoards discovered by metal detectorists. These stories remind us of the treasures still lying beneath the seas and the evolving understanding of history they bring to light.