Florida treasure hunters recently struck gold—well, 214 coins and other artifacts—while diving into 300-year-old shipwrecks from the infamous 1715 Treasure Fleet off the Atlantic coast.

This latest discovery by the aptly named 1715 Fleet Queen’s Jewels LLC marks the first treasure haul of the 2024 season, adding yet another glittering chapter to the story of the ill-fated fleet that sank during a hurricane three centuries ago. With the haul consisting of both coins and artifacts, the state of Florida will now receive its customary 20% cut of the loot, ensuring museum-goers can glimpse the troves once destined for Spanish shores.

The origins of the treasure date back to July 1715, when a fleet comprising 11 ships set sail from Cuba bound for Spain. Laden with riches from the New World, they never anticipated that a hurricane would lay siege to their journey, sending almost the entire fleet to a watery grave within a week. Now, centuries later, the storm of 1715 still stirs excitement among modern-day fortune hunters.

The recent find included 214 coins, adding to the ever-growing catalog of treasures recovered from the 1715 Fleet. The hallmarks of wealth and history were gleaming in the hands of the divers, who had to meticulously clean 300 years' worth of sea dust off the newfound riches. The discovery wasn't just limited to coins; various artifacts from the shipwrecks were also brought to light, providing valuable insights into the past. It's as if the Atlantic decided to throw a very delayed 'Lost & Found' party.

The treasure salvage operation is conducted under the banner of 1715 Fleet Queen’s Jewels LLC, a company contracting with Sal Guttuso. The firm holds the exclusive salvaging rights to the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks. Guttuso and his team have been exploring the wrecks for years, each season bringing new finds and further fueling the legend of the lost fleet. It's almost like a never-ending treasure hunt where the 'X' marks keep multiplying!

Even though the wrecks were uncovered long ago after lying untouched for more than two centuries, the allure of undiscovered bounty keeps divers coming back. Artifacts and coins from the 1715 Fleet still wash ashore along Florida’s beaches, sparkling in the sand and occasionally giving beachcombers the surprise of a lifetime during their morning strolls, making them feel like they've become instant treasure hunters.

The maritime tradition of the state of Florida means it gets its share, too. Up to 20% of the recovered artifacts and coins are earmarked for state museums, where the public can enjoy a close encounter with relics from a dramatic period in the Age of Exploration. This ensures that the history beneath the waves is celebrated on land, keeping the stories and treasures accessible to all. After all, who wouldn't want a chance to see real pirate treasure up close?

2015 brought one of the most significant discoveries for 1715 Fleet Queen’s Jewels LLC when 350 gold coins worth an estimated $4.5 million were lifted from the ocean floor. This set a high bar for future dives, but the treasure hunters remain undeterred, driven by the dream of striking it rich and uncovering more historical gems.

Despite the wealth recovered so far, participants in these underwater excavations recognize that their work isn't just about financial gain. Every dive contributes a small piece to the puzzle of our past, revealing fragments of journeys across the seas centuries ago. And let's face it, finding treasure is a lot better than searching for lost car keys!

For now, the team busies themselves with the intricate process of cleaning and preserving their finds. Coins that have spent 300 years underwater need gentle but thorough care to reveal their former glory without losing their historical integrity. It's a bit like giving a very, very slow spa treatment to a piece of history – all the exfoliation with none of the essential oils.

So, while many flock to Florida hoping to catch sight of elusive marine life or to lay on its famed beaches, a select few dive deep, navigating both history and ocean currents. Guided by instincts perhaps akin to pirate ancestors, they search not for sharks but silver—a gamble that seems to be paying off one coin at a time.