Unearthing History: The Discovery of 1,000 Silver and Gold Coins from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet off Florida's Treasure Coast
A significant discovery of over 1,000 silver and gold coins, valued at approximately $1 million, has been made by a salvage company from the remains of a Spanish fleet that sank over 300 years ago off Florida's Treasure Coast. Florida's Treasure Coast, encompassing Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties, earned its name due to the abundance of treasure recovered from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet shipwrecks found offshore.
The recent find was uncovered by Capt. Levin Shavers and his team during the 2025 summer salvage season. The salvage company, Queens Jewels, LLC, holds the exclusive rights to salvage the 1715 Treasure Fleet. The discovery included over 1,000 silver coins known as "Reales," five gold coins called "Escudos," and various rare gold artifacts.
These coins, hidden beneath layers of sand and sea, were part of the vast wealth carried by the Spanish fleet that sank during a hurricane on July 31, 1715. Historians estimate that up to $400 million in gold, silver, and jewels were lost, making it one of the most significant maritime tragedies and treasures in the Americas.
Sal Guttuso, the Director of Operations for Queens Jewels, emphasized that the discovery not only holds monetary value but also tells compelling stories. Each coin serves as a historical artifact, connecting us to the people who lived and sailed during the Golden Age of the Spanish Empire. Finding 1,000 coins in a single recovery is considered a rare and extraordinary event.
The silver pieces of eight were minted in Spanish colonies such as Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia, with many still displaying visible dates and mint marks, making them valuable to historians and collectors alike. Experts suggest that the coins' condition indicates they may have originated from a single chest or shipment that scattered as the ship disintegrated in the storm.
The wreck site, located along Florida's Treasure Coast, remains under state supervision for ongoing salvage operations following archaeological protocols and guidelines. The recovery efforts continue to unveil the rich history and treasures hidden beneath the ocean's depths.