Florida Divers Unearth $1M in Spanish Coins from the 1715 Treasure Fleet
Florida’s Treasure Coast has delivered another glittering surprise. Divers with 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels LLC have recovered more than 1,000 Spanish coins — silver reales and gold escudos — from the legendary 1715 Treasure Fleet shipwreck. The find, valued at nearly $1 million, adds another thrilling chapter to one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.
The 1715 Fleet: Spain’s Lost Treasure
In July of 1715, a fleet of Spanish galleons set sail from Havana, heavy with gold, silver, and riches bound for Europe. Disaster struck off the coast of Florida when a hurricane sent 11 ships to the ocean floor. For over 300 years, the Treasure Coast has concealed fragments of that fleet — until storms, tides, or skilled divers reveal them again.
The Discovery off Vero Beach
This year’s spectacular recovery was led by Captain Levin Shavers, commander of the M/V Just Right. His crew struck paydirt near Vero Beach, Florida, in waters long associated with the 1715 wrecks. Beneath shifting sands, they uncovered over a thousand silver and gold coins, many with visible mint marks and dates that directly connect them to colonial mints of Spain and the New World.
The site lies within the stretch of coastline between Melbourne and Fort Pierce, the very heart of Florida’s “Treasure Coast.” This region has earned its name from centuries of divers and salvage crews unearthing long-lost Spanish treasure after hurricanes and changing tides stir the seabed.
Why Shipwreck Coins Excite Collectors
For collectors and numismatists, discoveries like this are more than just treasure — they are living history.
- Scarcity & Rarity: Spanish colonial silver cobs and gold escudos from the 1715 Fleet are among the most coveted shipwreck coins.
- Provenance: Each piece comes with a story — a hurricane, a lost empire, and a rediscovery centuries later.
- Market Impact: High-profile recoveries ignite fresh demand in the coin market, especially for Spanish colonial issues and shipwreck-attributed coins.
The Numismatic Adventure Continues
At Scarsdale Coin, we celebrate the thrill of these discoveries and the stories they carry. Whether you’re searching for Spanish colonial cobs, shipwreck coins, or gold escudos, each coin represents a tangible connection to history, adventure, and the enduring allure of treasure.
👉 Interested in adding shipwreck or Spanish colonial coins to your collection? Contact Scarsdale Coin today — we specialize in rare, historic, and investment-grade coins.de coins.
