The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in a collaborative effort with the FBI has reported the recovery of 37 stolen gold coins valued at over $1 million. These coins are part of a horde found in the 2015 discovery of the 1715 Spanish Fleet shipwrecks, off the coast of Fort Pierce, Florida. The Schmitt family, as contracted salvage operators for 1715 Fleet - Queens Jewels, LLC, unearthed 101 gold coins from the wrecks in waters off Florida’s Treasure Coast.
While the family reported 51 of the coins, 50 were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen. "This evidence linked Eric Schmitt, a member of the Schmitt family, to the illegal sale of multiple stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024," FWC stated in a press release. In a significant move by law enforcement officials, multiple search warrants were executed resulting, in the recovery of coins from private residencies, safe deposit boxes, and auctions. One Florida-based auctioneer, who had unknowingly bought five of the coins from Schmitt, was also implicated in the case, as reported by WPTV news.
According to NBC Miami, advanced digital forensics played a critical role, identifying metadata and geolocation data that linked Schmitt to a photograph of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condo in Fort Pierce. In a deceptive twist, it was also found that Schmitt had placed three of the stolen gold coins on the ocean floor in 2016, to be 'discovered' by new investors of 1715 Fleet - Queens Jewels, LLC.
FWC, working closely with historical preservation experts, including Mel Fisher-Abt, has authenticated and appraised the recovered artifacts. Schmitt is now facing charges of dealing in stolen property. FWC Investigator Camille Soverel emphasized the significance of the case, stating, "this case underscores the importance of safeguarding Florida's rich cultural heritage and holding accountable those who seek to profit from its exploitation," as reported by WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm. The search continues for the remaining 13 stolen coins as the investigators aim to bring full restitution to this historically significant case.
