1706-07 Mexico Philip V Gold Cob 4 Escudos NGC MS62 1715 Fleet Shipwreck.

This Specimen is Tied for the Finest Known with one other example.

The 1715 Fleet Shipwreck, also known as the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet, was a maritime disaster that occurred off the east coast of Florida, United States. The fleet consisted of eleven Spanish galleons that were loaded with vast amounts of gold, silver, and other precious treasures from the New World colonies. The ships were en route to Spain, carrying the wealth accumulated over years of Spanish colonial activities in the Americas.

On July 30, 1715, the fleet set sail from Havana, Cuba, aiming to navigate through the treacherous waters of the Florida Straits before reaching the safety of the Atlantic Ocean. However, shortly after their departure, a powerful hurricane, now known as the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet hurricane, struck the fleet, wreaking havoc on the heavily laden vessels.

The hurricane's destructive force caused most of the ships to sink, scattering their valuable cargo along the coastline from present-day St. Lucie Inlet to Cape Canaveral. Only one ship, the Nuestra Señora de la Regla, managed to survive the storm and reach Havana.

The news of the shipwreck spread quickly, and salvaging efforts were initiated by the Spanish authorities in an attempt to recover the lost treasures. However, the difficult conditions, including strong currents, shallow waters, and shifting sandbars, posed numerous challenges to the salvage operations.

Over the years, sporadic salvage attempts were made by both the Spanish and various treasure hunters, often yielding significant finds. However, the majority of the treasure remained undiscovered, lost beneath the sandy seabed. The shipwreck became known as a hotspot for treasure hunting enthusiasts and sparked countless expeditions in search of the elusive riches.

Today, the 1715 Fleet Shipwreck holds great historical and archaeological significance. It serves as a reminder of the rich maritime heritage of the Spanish Empire and the risks faced by seafarers in the Age of Exploration. The recovery of artifacts and treasure from the shipwreck continues to this day, providing valuable insights into the economic and cultural exchanges between Europe and the New World during the early 18th century.

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