Florida authorities have successfully recovered 37 gold coins, valued at over $1 million, that were stolen from the legendary 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet shipwreck. The recovery marks a significant achievement after years of investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the FBI, who have been working to combat the illegal trafficking of these priceless historical artifacts.
The 1715 Fleet, which met a tragic fate off Florida’s Treasure Coast, was a group of eleven Spanish ships carrying vast riches from the New World back to Spain. A devastating hurricane struck the fleet just days after it departed from Havana on July 24, 1715, sinking the ships and consigning their wealth to the sea. Nearly 310 years later, the wrecks continue to attract treasure hunters and salvagers.
In 2015, the Schmitt family, operators of Booty Salvage, became embroiled in controversy when they reported discovering 101 gold coins off the coast of Fort Pierce, Florida, under a contract with 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC. While they properly reported 51 of the coins, they failed to disclose an additional 50, raising suspicions about their actions.
The case came under investigation, and new evidence surfaced early this year, leading the FWC to launch searches of private residences, safety deposit boxes, and auction houses. Authorities recovered five of the stolen coins from a Florida auctioneer who had unknowingly purchased them from the Schmitts.
Eric Schmitt, the primary suspect in the case, has been charged with trafficking and dealing in stolen property. Investigators used advanced digital forensics to link Schmitt to photographs of the stolen coins taken at his condominium. Three of the stolen coins were later found on the ocean floor, where Schmitt had deliberately placed them in an attempt to deceive potential investors in the treasure-hunting business.
FWC Investigator Camille Soverel stressed the importance of protecting Florida’s cultural heritage and holding individuals accountable for exploiting such treasures. The 1715 Fleet’s wreckage has long been a magnet for treasure hunters, with millions of dollars’ worth of artifacts being recovered over the years.
This latest recovery not only brings closure to the case but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical artifacts and adhering to legal protections. The recovered coins, minted between 1697 and 1712, will be returned to the rightful authorities, in accordance with state and federal law. However, 13 additional coins from the treasure remain unaccounted for.
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