Spanish Treasure Discovery off Florida Coast

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a team of divers from the shipwreck salvage company 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels LLC has unearthed a cache of Spanish colonial coins valued at approximately $1 million off Florida's aptly named 'Treasure Coast'. This summer's excavation yielded over 1,000 silver and gold coins, believed to have been minted in the Spanish colonies of Bolivia, Mexico, and Peru.

The discovery is linked to a catastrophic event that occurred on July 31, 1715, when a fleet of Spanish galleons, laden with New World riches, succumbed to a hurricane off the Florida coast. This disaster scattered an immense treasure across the ocean floor, which has been the subject of numerous recovery efforts over the centuries.

The recently recovered coins, some of which still bear visible dates and mint marks, offer invaluable insights for historians and numismatists alike. Sal Guttuso, the director of operations for the salvage company, emphasized the historical significance of the find, stating, 'Each coin is a piece of history, a tangible link to the people who lived, worked, and sailed during the Golden Age of the Spanish Empire.'

The excavation process involves sophisticated underwater metal detection devices and meticulous sand-fanning techniques. However, such operations are not without legal and ethical considerations. Florida law stipulates that approximately 20% of recovered artifacts from state waters must be retained for research or public display, with the remainder divided among the salvage company and its subcontractors, subject to federal court approval.

This discovery not only represents a significant monetary value but also serves as a crucial window into the economic and maritime history of colonial Spain and its New World territories, offering tangible evidence of the vast wealth that traversed the Atlantic during this pivotal era of global exploration and commerce.