Treasure Hunters Recover $1 Million in 1715 Shipwreck Coins

A fortune in sunken treasure has been recovered. Divers off the coast of Florida discovered over 1,000 gold and silver coins. The find is valued at an estimated $1 million. The artifacts come from a Spanish fleet lost in a hurricane in 1715.

The discovery was made by 1715 Fleet Queens Jewels, LLC. This company holds the salvage rights to the historic shipwreck site. The find represents a significant piece of maritime history.

Rare Coins and Artifacts Tell a Story

The coins are known as “pieces of eight.” They were minted in Spanish colonies like Mexico and Peru. Many coins still show clear dates and mint marks. According to Reuters, the 1715 fleet was carrying immense wealth back to Spain.

The items were lost during a powerful hurricane. Historians believe the storm scattered the ships along the Florida coastline. The company stated this single recovery of 1,000 coins is extraordinarily rare. The condition of the coins suggests they spilled from a single chest.

Historical Significance Beyond Monetary Value

This discovery offers a tangible link to the past. Each coin tells a story of the Spanish Empire’s Golden Age. The find provides new insights into colonial trade and maritime travel. It is a window into a pivotal historical era.

The salvage operation also recovered a royal lead seal. The seal bears the impression of King Philip II of Spain. Such artifacts are historically priceless. They offer clues about the people and documents onboard the doomed ships.

This Spanish treasure coins discovery highlights the enduring allure of shipwreck salvage. The find is a major win for historians and treasure hunters alike. It proves the ocean still holds secrets from centuries past.

Info at your fingertips

What is the 1715 Fleet?

It was a Spanish treasure fleet. It was destroyed by a hurricane off Florida in 1715. The ships were carrying vast amounts of gold and silver.

Who found the treasure?

The treasure was found by 1715 Fleet Queens Jewels, LLC. This is a specialized shipwreck salvage company. They are legally permitted to work the wreck site.

How much is the treasure worth?

The recovered coins are valued at approximately $1 million. This valuation is based on the quantity and historical significance of the find.

What happens to the treasure now?

The treasure will be conserved and documented. A portion is typically shared with the state. The rest is often made available for public sale or display.

Why is this discovery important?

It provides a direct connection to 18th-century history. The artifacts help historians understand trade and culture during the Spanish colonial period.