The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) recently announced a major step forward in historic preservation. Thirty-seven stolen gold coinsfrom the wrecks of the famous Spanish fleet of 1715, were recovered. Their total value exceeds a million dollars. Here are the details of a captivating investigation, combining modern investigations and protection of cultural heritage.
A stolen historical discovery
In 2015, the Schmitt family, operating under contract for the company 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC, discovered a remarkable treasure off the coast of the treasure coast in florida : 101 gold coins from the wrecks of the Spanish fleet of 1715. However, a careful inventory quickly revealed an anomaly. Of these items, 50 had not been declared and were subsequently stolentriggering a long-term investigation.
A complex investigation relaunched in 2024
It was in June 2024 that a new element relaunched the affair. Evidence links Eric Schmitta member of the Schmitt family, to the illegal sale of several stolen pieces between 2023 and 2024. A collaboration between the FWC and the FBI enabled in-depth investigations, including digital analyzes and targeted searches.
An impressive rediscovery
The 37 gold coins recovered come from several sources:
- Of the private residences and secure bank vaults.
- A Florida auction housewhere five pieces had been resold without their knowledge.
- Three coins were intentionally placed by Eric Schmitt on the seabed in 2016, in an attempt to attract new investors for 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC.
Investigators also used modern techniques, including metadata analysis and geolocation, to confirm the origin of the pieces and the locations where they were photographed.
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Multidisciplinary collaboration for authentication
The recovered artifacts were authenticated through the work of historic preservation experts, including Mel Fisher-Abta reference in this field. This step made it possible to guarantee their historical integrity and estimate their value.
At the same time, legal proceedings against Eric Schmitt continue. Accused of trafficking in stolen goods, he will have to answer for his actions in court.
A historical heritage to safeguard
The Spanish fleet of 1715 represents an essential part of maritime history. These wrecks, resulting from a devastating hurricane in 1715, contain priceless treasures testifying to the Spanish colonial era. Protected by state and federal laws, these discoveries constitute a cultural wealth to be passed on to future generations.
A gold deposit worth 78 billion euros has just been discovered
Part of the treasure is still missing
Despite these successes, 13 gold coins are still missing. The FWC continues its research to recover these artifacts and ensure that those responsible for their traffic are brought to justice.
How can we contribute to the protection of heritage?
The FWC encourages the public to report any suspicious activity related to historical artifacts. You can use:
- L’application “FWC Wildlife Alert”.
- The emergency number 888-404-FWCC.
- The official website MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
Each report contributes to the preservation of Florida's cultural heritage.
A story that still resonates
This case demonstrates the importance of protecting heritage against any illegal exploitation. Artifacts from the 1715 fleet tell a fascinating story, and their preservation is essential to understanding our shared past.
The FWC, supported by its partners, reaffirms its commitment to justice and the preservation of these unique treasures.
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