Florida Officials Retrieve 37 Gold Coins Taken From Shipwrecks of 1715 Fleet
Authorities are still conducting an ongoing investigation to locate the remaining 13 stolen gold coins.
Florida authorities have recovered 37 gold coins worth more than $1 million that were stolen from the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks, the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said on Nov. 26.
The FWC stated that the gold coin recovery represented a significant milestone in the years-long investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of historical artifacts.
The gold coins were initially discovered by contracted salvage operators for the 1715 Fleet, which consisted of Spanish ships that sank in a hurricane off Florida’s coast in 1715, off Florida’s Treasure Coast in 2015.
After new evidence emerged in June this year, FWC investigators collaborated with the FBI, leading to the arrest of Eric Schmitt, whose family had been contracted to salvage the ancient fleet.
According to the FWC, Schmitt was involved in the illegal sale of stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024.
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Throughout the investigation, authorities executed multiple search warrants and recovered coins from various locations including private residences, safe deposit boxes, and auctions. An auctioneer in Florida possessed five coins purchased from Schmitt, the FWC reported.
Investigators utilized advanced digital forensics to identify metadata and geolocation data that linked Schmitt to a photo of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condominium in Fort Pierce.
The FWC revealed that Schmitt intentionally placed three stolen gold coins on the ocean floor in 2016, and these coins were later discovered by new investors of the 1715 Fleet.
Camille Soverel, an FWC investigator, stated, “This case emphasizes the importance of protecting Florida’s valuable cultural heritage and holding accountable those who attempt to profit from its exploitation.”
While the recovered artifacts will be returned to their rightful custodians, authorities continue to investigate and search for the 13 remaining stolen gold coins to bring to justice those involved in the illegal sale.
Queen Jewels LLC, the custodian and salvaging company of the 1715 Fleet, expressed shock and disappointment at the theft and has been cooperating with law enforcement and the state in the matter.
“The recovered coins are now going through the proper process for legal adjudication,” the FWC noted.
The FWC disclosed that it collaborated with the 19th and Ninth Judicial Circuits to press charges against Schmitt for dealing in stolen property.
