The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the successful recovery of 37 gold coins stolen from the historic 1715 fleet shipwrecks. Collectively valued at over $1 million, the recovered treasure marks a significant breakthrough in a years-long investigation into missing artifacts from one of Florida's most iconic maritime disasters.
The saga began in 2015, when the Schmidt family, contracted salvage operators for Queens Jewels, LLC—the rights holders to the 1715 fleet shipwreck sites—unearthed a remarkable cache of 101 gold coins. At the time, 51 of these coins were properly reported to authorities. However, 50 coins were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen, leading to a complex trail of missing artifacts.
The case saw renewed momentum earlier this year when new evidence came to light, prompting the FWC to collaborate with the FBI. Investigators discovered links between Eric Schmidt, a member of the salvage team, and the illegal sale of stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024. Their efforts culminated in the recovery of 37 of the missing coins, marking a major step toward justice and artifact preservation.
The 1715 fleet, a convoy of Spanish treasure ships, sank off Florida’s coast during a hurricane more than three centuries ago. The wrecks have yielded a wealth of historical artifacts, including coins, jewelry, and other treasures. These items are protected under state and federal law, underscoring the importance of ethical salvaging and preservation efforts.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to legal protocols for artifact recovery and reporting. The FWC and FBI’s success in recovering the coins serves as a reminder of the critical need to protect cultural heritage and hold violators accountable.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to locate the remaining missing coins and ensure that those responsible for their theft face appropriate legal consequences.
