Off the coast of Florida’s glistening Atlantic shoreline, a remarkable discovery has turned heads in the world of maritime history and treasure hunting. A team of skilled divers recently unearthed more than $1 million in silver and gold coins, treasures once lost to the fury of a 1715 hurricane. Their journey, blending expertise and a stroke of weather fortune, connects us to centuries-old stories hidden beneath the waves.
A historic tempest and its hidden bounty
The tale begins on July 31, 1715, when the Spanish treasure fleet—a flotilla of galleons laden with riches from the New World—was caught in a devastating hurricane. Many vessels were wrecked along Florida’s modern-day Treasure Coast, scattering precious cargo along the seabed near Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. These lost treasures have fascinated historians and adventurers alike for generations.
Michael Perna, a professional historic shipwreck salvager and the leader of this recent expedition, operates under a legal lease through Queens Jewels LLC. His team has been carefully tracing what Perna calls “breadcrumbs” across the ocean floor—fragments of history left behind by the storm centuries ago. Yet, nothing prepared them for the astounding haul uncovered this summer.
The thrilling moment of discovery
During a routine dive, changing ocean conditions unexpectedly altered their course. “The wind was blowing a little bit, and we had trouble with our bow anchor holding,” Perna recounted. Forced to work in a new spot where the boat had drifted, the divers began uncovering a handful of silver coins. That small find quickly multiplied, culminating in the recovery of over a thousand silver coins, many identified as pieces of eight, a hallmark of Spanish colonial currency.
The excitement grew as the divers also retrieved several gold coins. “Even in murky water, when you first pull that gold coin out of the sand, there’s an unforgettable flash,” Perna said. These finds reflect not only wealth but a tangible connection to the past that resonates deeply with the treasure hunters.
Years of relentless pursuit and patience
Perna emphasized that treasure hunting is no impulsive grab. “They don’t see the days, months, and years of agonizing, grueling work we spend scouring the ocean floor,” he said. Every recovered artifact is not just a prize but a testament to the team’s perseverance.
Weather remains a formidable adversary. The hurricane that scattered these treasures did so in mere minutes, but his team has spent nearly six years following the debris field across the seabed. “Strong winds, rough surf, and poor visibility can turn a day of hunting into a dangerous undertaking,” he explained. This paradox highlights the patience and skill required to succeed in such a high-stakes endeavor.
Piecing together lost history coin by coin
Each coin tells a story. Many recovered date back to 1714 and hail from Mexico City, a crucial mint during Spain’s colonial era. The team meticulously cleans, documents, and studies these artifacts, gradually reconstructing a historical narrative.
Perna reflects, “We’re making a treasure map in reverse.” By following the trail of coins, they gain insight into the ships’ final moments and how they were dispersed after sinking. This approach contributes new knowledge to maritime archaeology while preserving cultural heritage.
In fact, a recent report from the National Park Service highlights how Florida’s Treasure Coast shipwrecks provide invaluable windows into 18th-century trade and naval history, supporting the importance of such discoveries in understanding our past.
“Every coin and artifact recovered is a direct link to the people and events of a bygone era,” said Dr. Maria Alvarez, a maritime archaeologist. “These finds give voice to stories submerged beneath the ocean’s surface for centuries.”
To gain a visual sense of the hunt’s challenges and triumphs, watch this insightful dive video by the Queens Jewels team:
The passion and dedication of Perna and his team underscore their profession’s blend of science, history, and adventure. Their discoveries do more than fill coffers—they enrich our collective understanding of maritime heritage and inspire ongoing preservation efforts along the Treasure Coast.
Are you fascinated by the allure of sunken treasures and historic mysteries? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, and help us celebrate the remarkable stories hiding beneath Florida’s waves.