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A recent discovery off the coast of Florida has captured the attention of historians, archaeologists, and treasure hunters from around the world.
More than 1,000 silver coins and five gold coins, valued at nearly one million dollars, were recovered by a marine salvage team from the ocean floor.
These coins, minted in the 18th century in former Spanish colonies such as Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia, belong to the legendary Treasure Fleet of 1715, a Spanish convoy that sank over 300 years ago during the passage of a hurricane, according to a statement.
The discovery, led by Captain Levin Shavers and carried out by the team of the M/V Just Right, took place this summer along Florida's so-called Treasure Coast, a name that pays homage to the number of shipwrecks laden with riches that have been found in the region over the centuries.
The tragedy of 1715: Eleven ships, hundreds of lives, and millions in gold
In the early hours of July 31, 1715, a powerful hurricane struck a fleet of a dozen Spanish ships leaving the New World for Spain, laden with colonial riches.
The disaster was devastating: It is estimated that up to 400 million dollars in gold, silver, and jewelry were lost.
Between 700 and 1,000 people died, according to historical estimates.
The coins recovered in this last expedition are known as reales (the silver ones) and escudos (the gold ones), and many still retain visible dates and mint marks from before 1715, allowing for precise tracing of their origin.
Most were minted at the Casa de Moneda in Mexico, although there are also specimens from Peru and Bolivia.
According to experts, these coins "likely belonged to a single chest that spilled when the ship broke apart during the storm," stated the salvage company Queens Jewels, LLC, responsible for the discovery.
An archaeological and emotional discovery
The cargo was found in an area of only 25 square feet, buried under several meters of sand and sea, which has necessitated recovery to follow strict protocols established by the state of Florida regarding underwater archaeology.
The excitement among the discoverers was evident.
Captain Shavers described the experience as "losing something you truly value and almost accepting that you will never find it again, and then suddenly it appears. It's an incredible feeling."
Sal Guttuso, Operations Director of Queens Jewels, emphasized that the value of the discovery goes far beyond the economic.
"Each coin is a piece of history, a tangible link to the people who lived, worked, and navigated during the Golden Age of the Spanish Empire. Finding 1,000 in a single recovery is as rare as it is extraordinary," he stated.
For his part, Mike Perna, a wreck diver and board member of the company, emphasized that the discovery was made possible after six years of tracking a one-mile treasure trail, a route that followed the ill-fated journey of the fleet along the Atlantic coast.
“Gold coins have proven to be much harder to find than silver ones,” he commented.
Among them, two remarkable specimens stand out: eight Mexican shields from 1714, noted as particularly valuable.
Conservation, exhibition, and a treasure still incomplete
The found hoard represents about one third of the typical content of a coin chest from that era, suggesting that there is still more to be discovered at the same site.
The coins still need to go through a conservation process to remove encrustations and determine their rarity or numismatic value.
Once that work is completed, some pieces will be exhibited in local museums.
Queens Jewels, which holds the exclusive salvage rights to the remains of the 1715 Fleet granted by U.S. courts, works closely with marine archaeologists and institutions to ensure that these findings contribute to historical knowledge, as well as their potential commercial value.
“Each discovery helps to reconstruct the history of the 1715 fleet”, stated Guttuso.
"We are committed to preserving and studying these artifacts so that future generations can appreciate their historical significance," he added.
This new discovery reinforces the reputation of Florida's east coast as one of the richest sites in the world for underwater archaeological finds.
Known as the Treasure Coast, it includes the counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin, and has been the site of multiple discoveries related to the 1715 Fleet over the past century.
Frequently asked questions about the discovery of the 1715 treasure coins in Florida
What is the estimated value of the coins found off the coast of Florida?
The estimated value of the coins found is around one million dollars. The discovery includes more than 1,000 silver coins and five gold coins, which were recovered from the ocean floor by a marine salvage team.
Which fleet do the coins discovered in Florida belong to?
The coins belong to the legendary Treasure Fleet of 1715, a Spanish convoy that sank over 300 years ago during the passage of a hurricane. This fleet was made up of about a dozen Spanish ships transporting colonial wealth from America to Spain.
Where was the discovery of these treasure coins made?
The discovery took place off the coast of Florida, in a region known as the Treasure Coast. This area, which includes the counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin, is famous for the number of shipwrecks laden with riches found over the centuries.
What historical significance do the discovered coins hold?
Every coin is a piece of history and a tangible connection to the people who lived, worked, and sailed during the Golden Age of the Spanish Empire. This discovery is valuable not only for its economic worth but also for its contribution to the historical knowledge of the period.
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