A comprehensive joint investigation between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the FBI led to the recovery of 37 stolen gold coins in Florida.
This collection of coins is valued at over a million dollars. Among them stands out a unique piece from 1709, known as "the Holy Grail coin," which was sold illegally for $50,000, according to the Miami Herald.
The valuable gold coins belong to the Fleet of 1715, a collection of Spanish ships sunk by a hurricane off the coast of Florida during a return journey to Spain.
In 2015, the Schmitt family was working as contracted salvagers when they discovered a treasure of 101 coins, but 50 of them were not reported.
The investigation revealed that Eric Schmitt, a family member, illegally sold several of these coins between 2023 and 2024. Some were recovered from private residences, auctions, and safety deposit boxes, while others were deliberately thrown into the ocean to simulate legitimate finds and deceive investors.
There are 13 coins that remain missing. The recovered ones were authenticated by experts in historical preservation.
This case underscores the importance of protecting cultural assets and penalizing their illegal exploitation. The remains of the 1715 Fleet are protected by state and federal laws in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recovery of Stolen Gold Coins in Florida
How many gold coins were recovered in Florida and what is their estimated value?
Thirty-seven stolen gold coins were recovered in Florida, with an estimated value of over one million dollars. These coins are part of a historical treasure from the 1715 Fleet.
What is the "Holy Grail coin" and why is it so special?
The "Holy Grail coin" is a unique piece from 1709 that stands out among the recovered coins. It was sold illegally for $50,000, despite its significant historical and cultural value.
What is the origin of the gold coins recovered in Florida?
The coins belong to the 1715 Fleet, a collection of Spanish ships that sank off the coast of Florida due to a hurricane while returning to Spain. These findings underscore the importance of protecting historical wrecks.
What happened to the coins not reported by the Schmitt family?
In 2015, the Schmitt family discovered 101 coins, but 50 of them were not reported. Eric Schmitt illegally sold several coins between 2023 and 2024, and some of these coins were deliberately thrown into the ocean to deceive investors.
What legal measures exist to protect the remains of the 1715 Fleet?
The remains of the 1715 Fleet are protected by state and federal laws in the United States. These regulations aim to preserve cultural heritage and penalize the illegal exploitation of these historical treasures.
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