A comprehensive investigation led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the FBI has resulted in the recovery of 37 stolen gold coins in Florida. This remarkable collection is valued at over a million dollars. Among the coins is a rare piece from 1709, famously known as “the Holy Grail coin,” which was illicitly sold for $50,000, as reported by the Miami Herald.
The precious gold coins are part of the 1715 Fleet, a group of Spanish ships that were wrecked by a hurricane off the Florida coast during their return journey to Spain. In 2015, the Schmitt family, working as hired salvagers, unearthed a treasure trove of 101 coins, yet 50 of these were never reported.
Investigations uncovered that Eric Schmitt, a family member, unlawfully sold several of these coins between 2023 and 2024. Some coins were retrieved from private homes, auctions, and safety deposit boxes, while others were deliberately tossed into the ocean to create the false impression of legitimate discoveries and mislead investors.
There are still 13 coins missing. The ones that have been recovered have been authenticated by historical preservation experts. This case highlights the critical importance of safeguarding cultural assets and penalizing their illegal exploitation. The remains of the 1715 Fleet continue to be protected under U.S. state and federal laws.
FAQs on the Recovery of the 1715 Fleet Gold Coins
What is the significance of the 1715 Fleet?
The 1715 Fleet consists of Spanish ships that sank off the coast of Florida due to a hurricane while returning to Spain, carrying valuable treasures.
How were the stolen coins recovered?
The coins were recovered through a joint investigation by the FWC and the FBI, which involved searching private residences, auctions, and safety deposit boxes.
Why are some coins still missing?
Some coins remain unaccounted for because they were deliberately discarded into the ocean to imitate legitimate discoveries and deceive investors.