How Much Was The Treasure in ‘National Treasure’ Really Worth?

Disney’s ‘National Treasure’ has become a beloved film, with Nicolas Cage’s character, Benjamin “Ben” Gates, embarking on daring heists to uncover American artefacts in a way that even Indiana Jones might envy. The film explores the worth of the hidden Templar Treasure that Gates seeks, raising questions about its true value.

Unlike typical treasure-hunting stories, the characters in ‘National Treasure’  are driven more by excitement, historical discovery, and clearing their family’s name rather than pure financial gain. Ben Gates, with the help of his partner Riley Poole and archivist Dr Abigail Chase, follows clues rooted in childhood tales to find a secret treasure concealed by the Founding Fathers, Freemasons, and Knights Templar. 

Also Read: ‘National Treasure 3’: Everything You Need to Know

At the end of the first film, after discovering the treasure beneath Trinity Church in New York City, Ben negotiates with Agent Peter Sadusky, offering the treasure’s location in exchange for his freedom, Abigail’s reputation, and the credit going to the Gates family and Riley. He claims the treasure is worth $10 billion, but the film wraps up neatly with everyone going home, except for Ben’s former partner Ian, who is arrested.

The treasure itself is a remarkable find, filled with more than just gold coins. It includes Egyptian statues, scrolls from the Library of Alexandria, armour, and even a statue of an alien. The treasure’s actual worth is hinted at when Ben receives a 10% finder’s fee, translating to $1 billion. However, Ben, known for his nobility, opts for only 1% of this amount, which he splits with Riley. Abigail, despite being crucial to the treasure hunt, does not appear to receive a share.

While the precise value of the treasure is not the film’s main focus, it is a rare example of a movie explicitly stating its treasure’s monetary value. This contrasts with other treasure-hunting films like ‘The Goonies’ and the ‘Indiana Jones’ series, where the treasure’s worth is often left ambiguous. In ‘Uncharted’, for example, the treasure’s value drives the plot, with Ferdinand Magellan’s treasure pegged at $5 billion.

Ultimately, ‘National Treasure’  is more about the relationships and adventures of its characters than the financial windfall. The iconic scene involving the theft of the Declaration of Independence stands out, with Ben’s clever use of hacking and a decoy to protect the document from damage. Despite the substantial finder’s fee, Ben and Riley face personal and financial challenges, reflecting the complex reality of their treasure-hunting journey. If a ‘National Treasure 3’ ever materializes, perhaps Ben and Riley will finally master the art of financial planning.

–Farheen Ali