Home Consumer FWC Recovers 37 Stolen Gold Coins From 1715 Fleet Shipwrecks

FWC Recovers 37 Stolen Gold Coins From 1715 Fleet Shipwrecks

All Images: FWC

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has successfully recovered 37 gold coins stolen from the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks, valued collectively at over $1 million. The recovery marks a major milestone in a long-standing investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of these priceless historical artifacts.

In 2015, members of the Schmitt family, working as contracted salvage operators for 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC, uncovered a treasure trove of 101 gold coins from the wrecks off Florida’s Treasure Coast. While 51 of these coins were reported correctly and adjudicated, 50 coins were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen.

FWC investigators, in collaboration with the FBI, launched an in-depth probe after new evidence emerged on June 10, 2024. This evidence linked Eric Schmitt, a member of the Schmitt family, to the illegal sale of multiple stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024.

Investigators executed multiple search warrants, recovering coins from private residences, safe deposit boxes and auctions. Five stolen coins were reclaimed from a Florida-based auctioneer, who unknowingly purchased them from Eric Schmitt. Advanced digital forensics identified metadata and geolocation data linking Eric Schmitt to a photograph of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condominium in Fort Pierce. It was also discovered that Eric Schmitt took three of the stolen gold coins and placed them on the ocean floor in 2016 to be found by the new investors of 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC.

Faith Based Events

The FWC has worked closely with historical preservation experts, including Mel Fisher-Abt to authenticate and appraise the recovered artifacts. The investigation also involved partnerships with the 19th and 9th Judicial Circuits, resulting in charges for dealing in stolen property against Eric Schmitt.

As required by state and federal law, the recovered artifacts will be returned to their rightful custodians. FWC investigators are committed to recovering the remaining 13 stolen coins and bringing those involved in their illegal sale to justice.

“This case underscores the importance of safeguarding Florida’s rich cultural heritage and holding accountable those who seek to profit from its exploitation,” said FWC Investigator Camille Soverel.

FWC extends its gratitude to its investigative team, law enforcement partners and the experts who contributed to this groundbreaking case.

The public can report conservation and cultural resource violations to the FWC by downloading the “FWC Wildlife Alert” app, texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the violation, calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.

About the 1715 Fleet Shipwrecks:

The 1715 Fleet represents a collection of Spanish treasure ships that sank during a hurricane off Florida’s coast in 1715. The artifacts recovered from these wrecks provide a window into history and are protected by state and federal law.

items from shipwreck

items from shipwreck

gold coins

items from shipwreck

Source: FWC


Disclaimer

The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components