Bellevue 425-454-1283 · Lynnwood 425-672-2646 · Issaquah 425-392-0450 · Tacoma 253-328-4014
Submerged below the surface off the coast of Florida, a man is on his annual treasure hunt with his family, sister and parents. Said man is Eric Schmitt, a Florida native who has been successful for the last two years in his efforts to lost remnants of history. In 2013, he discovered what measured to be over 60 feet of solid gold chain from a shipwreck, again, off the coast of Florida. Another dive in 2014 brought with it the finding of a gold Pyx, used to by priests to hold the Eucharist during Holy Communion.
Deployed from Havana and destined for Spain in July 1715, the ship was 1 of 12 caught in a hurricane and left to fall subject of fable for nearly 300 years, becoming host for barnacles and other such sea life. Collectively, the ships carried upward of $3.5 million gold pesos and jewels named as dowry for the new Queen of Spain. Eleven of the twelve ships sank to the bottom of the ocean, killing 1,000 crew members and submerging the dowry for Queen Elisabeth Farnese, whom refused to consummate the marriage until receipt of the jewels, amongst other items.
Late June 2015, Schmitt unearthed over $1 million in artifacts, including th
e unthinkable, a coin so rare, the intent was never to be used as actual currency, the “Tricentennial Royal”. Minted for King Phillip V of Spain, only six silver dollar sized pieces were created and used for the purpose of presentation. Unusually round for a coin created during its time with a carefully handcrafted mold, the coin Schmitt recovered is considered to be in perfect condition and thus valued around $500,000. An incredible find for one very lucky man.
Schmitt and his boss have estimated there is still roughly $400 million of unrecovered treasure still lurking beneath the surface off the coast of Florida from this doom fleet. Together they hold claim to five sites and are hoping to return more of the historical valuable to the surface. In compliance with Florida State and Federal law, up to 20 percent of the estimated total valued findings must be submitted to the state for museum display; the remainder is to be divided evenly between the Schmitt family and their employer.
Bellevue Rare Coins specializes in gold buying and dealing in rare coins. We are a family-owned business located in Bellevue and Lynnwood. We are also silver, diamond, currency and jewelry buyers. Visit us for a free evaluation.
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Bellevue Rare Coins | Located at 10541 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA. | Phone: 425-454-1283. | http://bellevuerarecoins.com.
