Florida has seen some incredible treasure discoveries over the years. From sunken ships filled with gold to hidden stashes of coins buried long ago, fortunes worth millions have been pulled from the ground and the sea.
Some of the most valuable treasures have come from shipwrecks off the coast. Spanish galleons, lost to hurricanes centuries ago, have been uncovered with gold, silver, and priceless artifacts still inside. On land, people have stumbled upon buried coins, jewelry, and even hidden bank vaults left behind from the past.
Treasure hunting has always been part of Florida’s story. With so much history buried beneath the sand and waves, it is no surprise that people keep searching. And every once in a while, someone gets lucky and unearths a true piece of the past.
Amazing Treasures That Have Been Found In Florida
These are some of the most legendary treasures ever found in Florida. Once you’ve uncovered these incredible discoveries, remember that countless riches are still out there. Take a look at our list of the 16 Real Treasures Hidden In Florida that might still be waiting to be found!
1715 Treasure Fleet – 2,000,000,000+
Spanish ships were caught in a hurricane off Florida’s coast in 1715. They carried gold, silver, and jewels from the New World. The storm wrecked all 11 ships, spreading treasure across the ocean floor.
Divers and treasure hunters have searched for the fleet’s lost riches for years. Gold coins, silver bars, and jewelry have been found along the Treasure Coast.
In 2015, divers uncovered over $4.5 million in gold coins near Vero Beach. Some pieces were from Spain’s royal mint.
New discoveries continue as technology improves. Gold chains, religious artifacts, and emeralds are still being discovered. Searching for the fleet’s treasure is still a big deal among divers today.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Over $400 million in gold, silver, and artifacts were originally lost. In today’s market, the full treasure’s value could be over $2 billion.
Mel Fisher’s Atocha Treasure – 1,000,000,000+
Mel Fisher spent 16 years searching for the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. This ship sank off the Florida Keys in 1622. It carried a fortune in gold, silver, and emeralds from South America. Fisher’s team finally found the wreck in 1985.
Gold bars, silver coins, and emerald jewelry were pulled from the deep. One solid gold chalice was found in perfect condition. Many of the emeralds came from Colombia’s famous Muzo mines. The treasure was scattered, requiring years to recover.
Some pieces were donated to museums, while others were auctioned to collectors. Mel Fisher’s discovery remains one of the biggest underwater finds ever.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Today, the Atocha Treasure’s value could exceed $1 billion.
Melbourne Beach Family Find – $2,500,000+
A family on a routine beach trip found an amazing treasure. While searching the sand near Melbourne Beach, they discovered 51 gold coins. Alongside the coins was a stunning 74-carat emerald ring and a long gold chain.
Each piece came from a Spanish shipwreck, possibly part of the 1715 Treasure Fleet. The coins were solid gold escudos, valuable to both collectors and historians. The emerald ring was incredibly rare, making it a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.
Excited by the find, the family reported it to local experts. News spread fast, and treasure hunters flocked to the area. Some believe more gold and jewels remain buried beneath the waves.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The treasure was valued at around $1 million when found. Today, it could be worth over $2.5 million.
Amelia Island Silver Hoard – $3,000,000+
Workers digging in a backyard on Amelia Island made a shocking discovery. Buried beneath the dirt were 17,000 silver coins, along with old cannonballs and grapeshot. The coins dated back to the early 1800s, linking them to pirates or Spanish traders.
Some believe the hoard was hidden by smugglers avoiding authorities. Others think it was buried by a shipwreck survivor who never returned. The coins were mostly Spanish reales, once used across the Americas.
Each piece needed careful cleaning and restoration. The discovery proved that Amelia Island’s past was filled with hidden riches.
How much the treasure would be worth today
At the time of discovery, the coins were valued at about $500,000. Now, their worth could exceed $3 million.
Swanee River Pirate Treasure – $6,000,000+
In 1953, fishermen near the mouth of Florida’s Suwannee River made an unexpected discovery. While pulling in their nets after hours of fishing, they found a treasure worth $625,000.
The exact spot of this find remained uncertain due to the vast area they had covered. As a result, many believe that more treasure could still be hidden in the vicinity.
The origin of this treasure is often linked to pirate legends associated with the Suwannee River. Stories suggest that pirates once used the river’s secluded areas to hide their loot.
The 1953 find reignited interest in these legends. Treasure enthusiasts flocked to the area, hoping to uncover more hidden riches. However, the dense marshlands and shifting river channels made searches challenging.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The 1953 discovery was valued at $625,000; today, it could be worth approximately $6 million.
Fort Pierce Gold Artifacts – $1,500,000+
A treasure-hunting family made a remarkable discovery off the coast of Fort Pierce, Florida. While exploring the seabed, they found gold artifacts linked to Spanish shipwrecks.
These items included intricately designed pieces that had lain hidden for centuries. The artifacts are believed to be from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet.
The family’s find added valuable pieces to the collection of recovered artifacts. Their discovery provided insights into the craftsmanship of the era. Each artifact told a story of the perilous journeys undertaken during that period.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The discovered gold artifacts were valued at over $1 million at the time; today, their worth could exceed $1.5 million.
1733 Spanish Armada Wrecks – $2,000,000,000+
In 1733, a fleet of Spanish ships, often referred to as the Spanish Armada, encountered a devastating hurricane in the Florida Keys. This powerful storm led to numerous shipwrecks along the coast. The vessels were laden with treasures from the Americas destined for Spain.
Over the years, divers and archaeologists have explored these wreck sites. They have uncovered a variety of artifacts, including silver coins, cannons, and personal items belonging to the crew.
The wrecks have become popular sites for both professional archaeologists and amateur treasure hunters. Many recovered items are now displayed in museums, offering the public a chance to connect with this rich history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The total treasure lost was worth millions in the 1700s. Today, the full fleet’s wealth could exceed $2 billion if fully recovered.
Marco Island Sanskrit Plate – $1,000,000+
Off the coast of Marco Island, divers discovered a unique artifact: a copper plate inscribed with Sanskrit. This finding was unusual, as Sanskrit is an ancient language from the Indian subcontinent.
The plate’s inscriptions were carefully analyzed by experts. They provided insights into ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges.
This discovery highlighted the diverse range of artifacts that can be found in marine environments. It also underscored the importance of underwater archaeology in uncovering hidden histories. The plate is now preserved and studied to understand its origins and significance.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Today, it could be worth over $1 million due to its historical significance.
Wabasso Beach Silver Cache – $13,000,000+
A diver exploring the waters off Wabasso Beach, Florida, recovered a cache of silver coins and artifacts. The find was substantial, shedding light on the area’s rich maritime history.
The silver coins were identified as originating from Spanish colonial periods. They bore markings that helped date them to specific eras. Alongside the coins, various artifacts provided further context to the historical narrative.
This discovery added to the growing list of treasures found along Florida’s Treasure Coast. The artifacts were carefully documented and preserved for further study.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Wabasso Beach silver cache was valued at approximately $13 million at the time of discovery; today, its value could be even higher.
Seminole War Fort Relics – $50,000+
In 2024, historian Thom Parham focused on uncovering remnants of Seminole War Fort No. 11 in Keystone Heights, Florida. A significant find was an 1837 half-dime, aligning with the fort’s 1838 establishment. This coin, along with bullets and buttons, provided insights into the fort’s history.
The discovery of the half-dime was particularly noteworthy. Such coins were commonly used to pay soldiers during that period. This find, along with other artifacts, helped pinpoint the fort’s location. It also shed light on the daily lives of the soldiers stationed there.
Parham’s efforts aimed to map and report the site to Florida’s Department of Interior. His goal was to ensure the fort’s inclusion in the state’s archaeological records. This would help preserve its historical significance for future generations.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The artifacts might be valued at around $50,000 today.
La Playa Beach Diamonds – $3,000,000+
One lucky treasure hunter made an unbelievable find on La Playa Beach. While scanning the sand with a metal detector, they uncovered a stash of 56 diamonds and 16 emeralds. The jewels were buried just beneath the surface, sparkling in the sunlight.
Nobody knows exactly where the gems came from. Some experts think they washed ashore from a lost shipwreck. Others believe they were hidden by a smuggler and forgotten over time.
Treasure hunters now visit La Playa Beach hoping for another lucky find. The diamonds and emeralds remain a mystery, adding to their legend. People still search the area, dreaming of striking it rich.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The gemstones were estimated to be worth $750,000 when found. Today, their value could reach over $3 million due to increasing demand.
Ashley Gang Partial Loot – $1,500,000+
In the early 20th century, the Ashley Gang was notorious in Florida. They amassed over $1 million from various heists. However, only about 10% of their loot was ever recovered.
The gang’s activities included bank robberies and bootlegging. Their operations spanned across the Everglades. Despite law enforcement efforts, a significant portion of their stolen wealth remains unaccounted for.
The recovered portion, valued at over $100,000 in the 1920s, was found in various locations. The remaining 90% of their loot is still considered lost. Treasure hunters continue to search for it in the Florida Everglades.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The recovered $100,000 from the 1920s would be worth approximately $1.5 million today.
Fort Pierce Cannon – $500,000+
In the 2010s, a colonial-era cannon was discovered north of Fort Pierce, Florida. This find was significant due to its historical context. The cannon likely dated back to the colonial period, offering insights into the area’s past military activities.
The cannon’s preservation state provided valuable information. Artifacts like this help historians understand the region’s colonial history. Such discoveries are rare and offer a tangible connection to the past.
The exact circumstances of the cannon’s discovery were not widely publicized. However, its significance was recognized by historians and archaeologists. The artifact was likely studied to glean more information about its origins and use.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The colonial-era cannon could be valued at over $500,000 today.
Shipwreck Park Gold Box – $1,000,000+
At Shipwreck Park near Pompano Beach, divers recovered a gold chest from 126 feet underwater. This discovery added to the allure of the artificial reef site. The park is known for its intentionally sunk ships, creating diving attractions.
The gold chest’s origins were not immediately clear. Such finds contribute to the site’s appeal for divers and treasure enthusiasts. Shipwreck Park continues to be a focal point for underwater exploration.
The park’s management often collaborates with artists to enhance the underwater experience. Discoveries like the gold chest add to the narrative of the site.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The gold chest’s value would be in the range of $500,000 to $1 million today.
Bethune Blackwater Schooner – $2,000,000+
In 1988, near Milton, Florida, the Bethune Blackwater Schooner was discovered. This 19th-century vessel was remarkably well-preserved. Its discovery offered valuable archaeological insights into maritime history.
The schooner provided a snapshot of the shipbuilding techniques of its time. Artifacts recovered from the site included personal items and tools. These items shed light on the daily lives of the crew.
The preservation of the vessel allowed for detailed study. Researchers gained a better understanding of trade and transportation during the 19th century. The site became an important reference for maritime archaeology in the region.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The schooner could be valued at around $2 million dollars today.
Mala Compra Plantation Artifacts – $1,000,000+
In Palm Coast, Florida, archaeologists excavated the Mala Compra Plantation site. They unearthed over 14,000 artifacts, including ceramics and tools. These findings shed light on early 19th-century plantation life.
The plantation was once owned by Joseph Hernandez, Florida’s first delegate to the U.S. Congress. Artifacts found include ceramic fragments, wine bottles, household goods, and parts of firearms. These items help historians understand the daily lives of the plantation’s inhabitants.
Many of these artifacts are on display at the site and in other locations throughout Flagler County. Visitors can view the ruins and learn about the plantation’s history. The site offers a glimpse into Florida’s past.
How much the treasure would be worth today
While the artifacts hold significant historical value, assigning a specific monetary worth is challenging; however, similar collections have been valued in the range of $500,000 to $1 million.
Everglades Confederate Gold – $5,000,000+
In the 1950s, a portion of Captain John Riley’s buried Confederate payroll was recovered in the Everglades. The original cache was valued at over $200,000 in the 1860s. This treasure was part of the Confederate funds hidden during the Civil War.
The recovered portion represented only a fraction of the total amount. Treasure hunters have long sought the remaining hidden gold. The dense Everglades terrain has made searches challenging.
The story of the Confederate gold has become part of local legend. Many believe that much of it remains hidden in the swamps. The allure of undiscovered treasure continues to draw adventurers.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The recovered portion today could be worth approximately $5 million.
Now take a look at our list of the 16 Real Treasures Hidden In Florida that might still be out there.
