Florida authorities have unearthed a treasure trove of gold coins worth $1 million, originally looted in 2015, proving once again that sometimes the sea just plays hard-to-get with its riches.

The recovery of these prized 1715 Treasure Fleet coins illustrates not just a successful operation for law enforcement, but also serves as a reminder that even the ocean has its secrets—especially when it comes to the misadventures of treasure hunters like Eric Schmitt, who seems to have a knack for turning historical artifacts into questionable investment opportunities.

The saga began back in 2015 when the Schmitt family, perhaps keen on channeling their inner pirates, discovered 101 gold coins off Florida's famed Treasure Coast. Each coin sparkled with the allure of centuries past, a blend of history and shiny gilded dreams. However, it quickly became apparent that adventure does not always lead to sunny shores—only 51 of the discovered coins made it into official records, meaning a mysterious 50 coins were free to roam the underbelly of the treasure market.

This led to the birth of an FBI investigation focusing on Eric Schmitt, who allegedly pursued an entrepreneurial route by selling stolen coins. The coins, which are part of the 1715 Treasure Fleet that sank during a hurricane off the coast of Florida, are valued at a combined total of $1 million. His ventures attracted the interest of law enforcement, resulting in the execution of multiple search warrants across the state. It seems that while Schmitt was hunting for treasure, he ended up catching the attention of the wrong kind of hunters.

Through these investigative efforts, law enforcement managed to secure coins from an array of locations, including auction houses that may have unknowingly acted as a black market for sunken treasures. Notably, five coins were successfully retrieved from a Florida-based auctioneer. It's a somber reminder that while one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, the law may take a dim view of hidden histories being hawked for profit within the auction circuit.

Schmitt's escapade took an even more theatrical twist when it was revealed that he had reportedly tossed three stolen coins back into the ocean, aiming to lure new investors to the depths of this fraudster’s fantasyland. Perhaps this was his version of a scavenger hunt, where a new group of treasure seekers could resurrect coins from their watery graves, blissfully unaware of the ethical and legal quagmires they may plunge into. It’s a unique marketing tactic, if nothing else.

As of now, 13 coins remain unaccounted for, swimming somewhere in an ocean of lost hope and dubious intentions. Speculation abounds about their whereabouts, with some conspiracy theorists imagining them on a slow journey to become Instagram influencers in their own right—#StolenCoins rising to prominence in the world of digital collectibles. As entertaining as the idea may be, the reality remains: the legacy of the 1715 Treasure Fleet continues to be tainted by modern-day treasure hunting gone awry.

The recovery of these coins marks a significant milestone not merely for the investigation but for those who appreciate the value of historical artifacts. These items tell tales of stormy voyages and unclaimed glory, their fates entangled with treasures lost and fortunes found. They remind us that treasure hunting, when coupled with legality, can lead to enriching discoveries—both figuratively and literally.

While Eric Schmitt may have hoped to turn these artifacts into a means for personal gain, Florida authorities have made it clear that the true treasure lies in protecting history—not exploiting it. The sunken tales of the 1715 Treasure Fleet are now slightly brighter, thanks to their recovered coins, allowing history to once again bask in the sunlight, instead of lurking with swindlers in the shadows. In any case, if you're out and about in Florida, it might be wise to leave the metal detector at home, unless you fancy a reunion with the local authorities.