The Atlantic coast of Florida in the United States, with its emerald-green waters, is often described as the 'Treasure Coast.' A spokesperson for a shipwreck salvage company has announced that their diving team has recovered over 1,000 gold and silver coins from the seabed this summer, believed to have been minted in colonial-era Bolivia, Mexico, and Peru. The estimated value is around $1 million (4.2054 million Ringgit).
This 'Treasure Coast' is no stranger to such discoveries. The 1715 Fleet Society pointed out that centuries ago, a Spanish fleet loaded with gold, silver, and jewels plundered from the New World sank on July 31, 1715, after being struck by a hurricane, scattering treasures across the seafloor. Over the years, salvagers and treasure hunters along the Florida coastline from Melbourne to Fort Pierce have continuously discovered gold coins from the 1715 fleet worth millions of dollars.
Coin Dates and Mint Marks Still Clear
According to a federal permit application notice submitted by salvage company “1715 Fleet–Queens Jewels LLC”, operations director Guttuso led divers and ship crews using underwater metal detection equipment, then manually sifted or suctioned sand to clear the seabed. The company stated that some of the newly recovered coins still clearly display mint dates and marks, which greatly benefits historians and collectors seeking more information from lost treasures.
Guttuso noted that the significance of this find lies not just in the treasure itself but in its story. He said: “Every coin is part of history—a tangible connection to the people who lived, worked, and sailed during the golden age of the Spanish Empire. To discover 1,000 coins at once is both rare and extraordinary.”
Florida Government May Retain 20% of Artifacts
Under Florida law, any “abandoned” treasure or historical artifact found within the state’s land or waters belongs to the state government, but excavators can obtain permits to “salvage” the items. The state will retain about 20% of recovered artifacts for research, collection, or public display.
In 2024, Florida officials announced the recovery of dozens of coins stolen from a shipwreck by salvagers. The suspect was a family member of a 1715 Fleet–Queens Jewels LLC contract team worker.
Hopes for Final Museum Exhibition
Guttuso stated that the team conducts a detailed inventory of all recovered artifacts each season for government review. Florida officials select up to 20% of the items to keep for the public; the negotiation process is ultimately approved by a federal court. The remaining artifacts are then divided equally between the salvage company and contractors.
Guttuso said: “We hope to standardize these operations so that the people of Florida also benefit and, in the end, these treasures can be appreciated in museums.” (News Source: Sing Tao Daily)