Florida’s treasure hunters have made an astounding discovery, unearthing more than 200 silver coins from the seabed off the coast of Sebastian. This area, known as the Treasure Coast, earned its name due to its proximity to the site where 11 Spanish ships met their tragic end in 1715.
Mike Penninger, a seasoned 71-year-old diver, and his dedicated team of underwater explorers uncovered over 200 coins during their dives between May and June off Sebastian Inlet, on Florida’s east coast. This incredible find is most likely linked to the infamous 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet.
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In the early hours of July 31, 1715, a fleet of 11 Spanish ships, laden with gold, silver, jewels, and spices, was on its return journey to Cádiz. The fleet encountered a devastating hurricane that wreaked havoc, leaving a grim scene with 1,000 bodies strewn across the beach, 1,500 survivors stranded, and a treasure trove submerged beneath the waves.
Penninger and his team’s extraordinary find brings a piece of history back to the surface, offering a tangible connection to the past. The silver coins recovered add to the lore of the Treasure Coast and serve as a poignant reminder of the perilous journeys undertaken by these historic fleets.
- Over 200 silver coins recovered
- Located off Sebastian Inlet, Florida
- Likely from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet
This incredible discovery not only enriches our understanding of the past but also fuels the ongoing fascination with sunken treasures and the stories they hold. The Treasure Coast continues to live up to its name, drawing adventurers and historians alike to uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the sea.
A portion of the gold, silver, and other artifacts scattered across the sea floor were recovered after the storm. Yet, historians and treasure hunters believe that millions of dollars in silver and gold still remain at the bottom of the ocean.
The Unexpected Discovery
After 30 years of treasure hunting, Penninger thought his days of searching for shipwrecks were over. On the brink of retiring from marine exploration, he and his crew stumbled upon dozens of Spanish coins from an 18th-century shipwreck, according to The Washington Post.
Although the silver coins appeared blackened, encrusted, and heavily oxidized, with faded engravings and sharp edges, Penninger and his crew recognized the immense value of their discovery.
The Role of Professional Divers
The recovery of the coins also involved two subcontracted divers working for 1715 Fleet – Queen’s Jewels LLC, a Sebastian-based company. This company has been designated by the U.S. District Courts as the exclusive custodian and salvage company for the shipwreck, responsible for overseeing the distribution of artifacts found in U.S. waters.
The discovery will be distributed between the company and the state by the U.S. District Courts.
So far, the value of the coins remains unknown, partly because they have yet to be restored after spending centuries at the bottom of the ocean, noted the aforementioned newspaper.
A Hidden Treasure in Havana: Four Thousand Lithographic Stones
Throughout his years as a treasure hunter, Penninger uncovered rare items, such as a gold ring adorned with a large Colombian emerald and large pieces of worked silver.
The Story Behind the Recovered Coins
The recovered coins were part of the treasure transported by a fleet of eleven Spanish ships that had gathered in Havana. This fleet met its tragic end off the coast of Florida in July 1715, after being struck by a hurricane, according to the American organization 1715 Fleet Society.
While the exact worth of the coins is still a mystery, their historical significance is undeniable. These treasures provide a glimpse into a bygone era and the perilous journeys undertaken by Spanish fleets.
The restoration process will undoubtedly reveal more about these fascinating artifacts, adding to the rich tapestry of history they represent.
Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible find and the stories it uncovers from the depths of the ocean.