Treasure Fleet Coins Recovered: 1,000 Gold & Silver Found in Florida Shipwreck
here’s a breakdown of the key facts from the provided text:
* Revelation: Over 1,000 silver coins (reales, or “pieces of eight”) and five gold escudos were recovered this summer from the wrecks of the 1715 Treasure Fleet.
* Ancient Context: The 1715 Treasure Fleet was a group of Spanish ships that sank in a hurricane off the coast of Florida in july 1715. The fleet was carrying over $400 million worth of gold and silver from the Spanish colonies.
* Salvage Company: The coins were recovered by 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, a company authorized to salvage the wrecks.
* Origin of Coins: The coins were likely minted in Mexico, peru, and Bolivia. Their good condition suggests they were from a single collection.
* Importance: The coins are considered valuable historical artifacts, offering a tangible connection to the Spanish Empire.
* Fleet Details: The fleet consisted of 12 ships that sank over a 50-mile stretch of coastline. Some treasure was recovered immediately after the sinking, but much remained lost for centuries.
* Future Plans: The recovered coins will be conserved and displayed in local museums.