News Summary
A team of divers from 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels LLC discovered a treasure trove valued at approximately $1 million off Florida’s Atlantic coast. This incredible find included over 1,000 silver coins and five gold coins linked to a historic shipwreck from 1715. The recovered artifacts are expected to be displayed in local museums after a conservation process, reigniting interest in the tragic history of the 1715 Fleet and drawing attention from historians and treasure enthusiasts alike.
Florida – A remarkable discovery was made this summer by a team of divers from 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels LLC, who unearthed a treasure trove worth approximately $1 million off the Atlantic coast. Their efforts yielded more than 1,000 silver coins and five gold coins from a shipwreck, which is historically linked to a disastrous hurricane that struck a fleet of Spanish ships on July 31, 1715.
These valuable coins, believed to have been minted in the Spanish colonies of Bolivia, Mexico, and Peru, hold significant historical value. The coins include types known as reales (silver coins) and escudos (gold coins), and they were part of a larger shipment that likely spilled into the ocean when the ship broke apart in the storm. This event resulted in the loss of approximately 1,000 lives and marked one of the most tragic maritime disasters of the era.
The operation, based in Sebastian, Florida, about 95 miles north of Palm Beach, employed a range of techniques for retrieving artifacts from the ocean floor. The team utilized underwater metal-detection devices, alongside sand-fanning and sand suction techniques, to locate and recover the lost treasure effectively. Previous recoveries made by the team resulted in the discovery of three gold coins at the Douglas Beach Wreck earlier this year.
Over the years, countless treasure hunters have combed the beaches of Florida’s Treasure Coast, unearthing millions of dollars in gold coins from the infamous 1715 Fleet. Each find serves as a connection to the rich history of the Spanish Empire during its Golden Age. According to state law, any treasure trove or historic artifacts deemed “abandoned” in state waters are the property of the state, and excavators must possess the necessary permits to conduct salvage operations.
The law also stipulates that salvaged archaeological materials must retain about 20% for state research or public display. As a result, the team meticulously maintains an inventory of all recovered artifacts, submitting it for review by state authorities. The state is entitled to assess and keep up to 20% of the recovered artifacts, while the remaining 80% is shared among the salvage company and its subcontractors.
The history surrounding the 1715 Treasure Fleet is steeped in tragedy. The fleet comprised 11 ships that sank due to the hurricane’s fierce winds and massive waves, leading to devastating losses among the crew and passengers. The severity of the storms that struck the fleet has been categorized as Category 3 or 4 by today’s standards, highlighting the extreme conditions faced during that fateful voyage.
The site of this latest discovery has generated excitement among historians and treasure enthusiasts alike. The recovered coins are expected to undergo a conservation process before being displayed in local museums, allowing the public to appreciate this tangible link to a bygone era. The recent find marks the first significant recovery of large coins since 1990, reigniting interest in the storied past of the 1715 Fleet.
As the team continues its salvage operations, hopes remain high for further discoveries along Florida’s coastline. The legacy of the 1715 Fleet and the fortunes it carried continues to draw treasure hunters and historians, eager to unlock the secrets of the past hidden beneath the waves.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNN: Spanish Shipwreck Discovery
- Wikipedia: Spanish Treasure Fleet
- New York Times: Shipwreck Recovery
- Google Search: Florida treasure shipwreck
- USA Today: Coins from Spanish Shipwreck
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 1715 Fleet
- WPTV: Treasure Coast Salvage Crew
- Google News: Spanish shipwreck coins
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
