Authorities in Florida have successfully retrieved 37 gold coins that were stolen from a shipwreck dating back nearly 310 years, according to an announcement made by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this week.

This significant recovery represents a crucial development in a protracted investigation regarding the theft and unlawful trading of historical artifacts, as highlighted in a press release on Tuesday. The estimated total value of the recovered coins exceeds $1 million.

The investigation dates back to 2015 when 101 gold coins were salvaged from the 1715 Fleet—a fleet of Spanish treasure ships that sank during a hurricane off the central coast of Florida. Of these coins, Florida authorities noted that while 51 were “correctly reported and adjudicated,” the remaining 50 were not disclosed and were ultimately taken unlawfully.

In 2023 and 2024, authorities uncovered evidence of the illegal sale of these stolen coins. Utilizing search warrants, they successfully retrieved the artifacts from various locations, including private homes, safe deposit boxes, and auction houses.

A suspect has been identified in connection to this case; they are a family member of the team that was hired to salvage the shipwreck a decade earlier. However, it remains uncertain whether any formal charges have been filed against them yet.

As mandated by state and federal regulations, these recovered artifacts are set to be returned to their “rightful custodians.” However, further details regarding who this custodian is have not been disclosed at this time.

Camille Soverel, an investigator with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, commented on the situation, stating that the case highlights the critical need to protect Florida’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring that those who attempt to profit from its exploitation are held accountable.

Over the years, salvagers and treasure hunters have uncovered millions of dollars worth of gold coins from the 1715 Fleet along the coastal region, known as Florida’s Treasure Coast, which stretches from Melbourne to Fort Pierce.