The world of Indiana Jones is filled with excitement, peril and discovery. Part of what made the series so engaging is how the character of Indiana Jones often get in over his head with the artifacts he's hunting. What seems like something of historical significance would quickly have a supernatural quality that instantly changes its importance. In all the treasures he's encountered, some carry more significance than others.
While some treasures impact Indy directly, others are far above his station and even his status as a teacher. Nevertheless, he risks life and limb to keep these artifacts safe and saw the value of these treasures in terms of world importance. With one more journey on the horizon, his next treasure could be the most valuable yet. That said, of the four major artifacts he's discovered, which one could be considered the most valuable?
4) The Sankara Stones Carry A Godly Power
In Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the Sankara Stones are said to be brought to Earth by the God Shiva. Initially, there are five, but only three can be found. However, the stone's diamonds glow when brought together. In possession of Mola Ram, the priest of the film uses his magical abilities, granted by the rocks, to sacrifice innocents for the God Kali. However, in service of Shiva, it can give life and prosperity to those who worship the stones. While they have immense power, their value mainly lies with those that worship it rather than those who've found and used it.
3) The Ark of the Covenant Is A Dangerous Line To the Dead
The Ark of the Covenant first appeared in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Ark itself has a rich history as it is said to carry the cracked remains of the Ten Commandments. Other stories say it is a way to communicate with God. As a result, it becomes a subject of interest for Adolph Hitler. However, when opening the Ark, angry spirits emerge to those that look upon it, thus overwhelming and killing them. There's immense value in what the Ark represents, and it can't be questioned, but its danger means it's best to be locked away forever.
2) The Holy Grail Confirms Much But Is Limited In Its Power
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade has likely the most religiously important treasure in the entire series as it revolved around the hunt for the Holy Grail. The grail itself has properties that exceeded beyond the promise of eternal life. For example, it has immense healing properties for those injured, like when Indy heals his father's gunshot wound. However, it spiritually signifies the existence of God and the greater implications that come with that. Even though the grail can't leave its home and maintain the powers it carries, the significance behind it is still one of the most important.
1) The Crystal Skull Transcends the Concept of Reality Itself
While the Holy Grail is significant in its own right, the Crystal Skull of Akator from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull rise into a realm that is even further beyond any religious significance. At first, the skull is believed to be tied to alien life from other worlds. While the definition still stands for these creatures with crystalline skeletons, they aren't aliens at all. In fact, they are extradimensional beings that traveled to other worlds to gain knowledge. What makes the skull more valuable than even a grail is that proving the existence of Gods in one world would imply there are more Gods in more worlds. In the end, the potential for significance grows as well.