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Florida Authorities Recover Historical Gold Coins Valued at Over US$ 1 Million
Florida authorities announced the recovery of 37 gold coins, valued at over US$ 1 million, stolen from historic shipwrecks of the 1715 Spanish fleet. The items were looted from the so-called “Treasure Coast”, famous for being a site of treasure hunting for submerged relics.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) revealed the operation last Tuesday, after a lengthy investigation. The case brought to light intriguing details about the illegal trade of historical artifacts.
Gold Coins – A Treasure Lost in Time
The 1715 Fleet, made up of Spanish ships transporting gold, silver, and jewels, sank during a hurricane shortly after leaving Havana, Cuba. The wreckage, discovered along the coast of Florida, has been a focus for explorers and treasure hunters over the centuries.
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In 2015, a salvage team, including the Schmitt family, found 101 gold coins. However, while 51 coins were reported to the authorities, another 50 mysteriously disappeared, raising suspicions of theft.
An Illegal Trade Network
Eric Schmitt, a member of the salvage team, was identified as a key player in the scheme. He was involved in selling stolen coins to private collectors and auction houses between 2023 and 2024. Authorities tracked the coins using advanced technology, such as metadata analysis and geolocation from a photograph taken at Schmitt’s condominium in Fort Pierce, Florida.
During the investigation, it was discovered that three stolen coins were deliberately returned to the ocean by Schmitt in 2016. Subsequently, these coins were “rediscovered” by investors from 1715 Fleet-Queens Jewels, LLC, the company managing the salvage rights to the wrecks.
A Mission for Historical Preservation
The FWC worked in partnership with historical preservation experts, including Mel Fisher-Abt, to authenticate and assess the recovered artifacts. The coins are now ready to be returned to their rightful guardians.
Despite the success in recovering 37 coins, 13 are still missing. Authorities have promised to continue the search until all items are located.
“This case underscores the importance of protecting Florida’s cultural heritage,” stated Camille Soverel, an investigator with the FWC. “We cannot allow historical treasures to be exploited for profit.”
Justice and Preservation
Eric Schmitt faces charges related to stolen property, a reminder of the consequences for those attempting to profit from invaluable artifacts. As the story of the recovered coins gains attention, the mystery of the pieces keeps interest alive in the legacy of the 1715 Fleet.
Authorities remain determined in their preservation of the past and will hold accountable those who dare to plunder it.
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