A Historic Coin Recovery

In a remarkable turn of events, Florida authorities have successfully recovered several stolen gold coins with historical significance, following a thorough investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced the retrieval of 37 gold coins, collectively valued at approximately million, in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The Legendary 1715 Treasure Fleet

The recovered coins are part of the infamous 1715 Treasure Fleet, a historic collection of Spanish galleons that sank during a devastating hurricane off the coast of Florida in July 1715. These vessels were laden with riches, including gold, which were lost to the unforgiving sea for centuries.

In a serendipitous discovery three centuries later, the Schmitt family, through their company 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC, found a treasure trove of 101 gold coins in 2015 while exploring Florida’s famed Treasure Coast. This finding ignited further interest in treasure hunting in the area.

A Curious Discrepancy

Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, only 51 of the 101 coins were properly reported to the authorities at that time. The remaining 50 coins were subsequently found to be missing, a situation that the FWC has now confirmed was the result of theft. The agency stated, “While 51 of these coins were reported correctly and adjudicated, 50 coins were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen.”

The Investigation Deepens

In early 2023, a renewed phase of the investigation commenced as the FWC collaborated with the FBI to scrutinize Eric Schmitt, a relative of the Schmitt family. Authorities sought to uncover his alleged involvement in the illegal sale of these stolen coins between 2023 and 2024.

In a strategic operation, investigators executed searches at multiple locations, including private homes, safe deposit boxes, and various auction houses. Their efforts led to the recovery of several coins, with five of them reclaimed from a Florida auctioneer who had unknowingly purchased the items from Eric Schmitt.

Forensic Breakthroughs

The success of this investigation owes much to advanced digital forensics. Authorities utilized metadata and geolocation data to trace a photograph of the stolen coins back to the Schmitt family’s condominium in Fort Pierce. This crucial evidence suggested that Eric Schmitt had maintained possession of these historical artifacts.

Moreover, the investigation revealed alarming actions by Schmitt in 2016. In an apparent scheme to mislead potential investors, he allegedly returned three of the stolen coins to the ocean, intending for them to be “rediscovered” as part of the legitimate treasure hunting operations led by 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC.

A Milestone Achievement

While the recovery of 37 coins marks a significant milestone in this investigation, authorities note that 13 coins from the original set remain missing. “This recovery represents a significant milestone in a long-standing investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of these priceless historical artifacts,” the FWC remarked. “We are grateful to our investigative teams, law enforcement partners, and the experts who contributed to this groundbreaking case.”

The Quest for the Remaining Coins

Florida authorities are actively working to locate the remaining missing coins, emphasizing the importance of preserving and returning these cultural treasures to their rightful place. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding treasure hunting, historical artifacts, and the legalities involved in their recovery and ownership.

As efforts continue, the story of the 1715 Treasure Fleet underscores not only the allure of buried treasure but also the potential for greed and deception. As the investigation unfolds, the legacy of these lost historical treasures remains at the forefront, reminding us of the importance of safeguarding our shared heritage.