Florida authorities recover centuries-old gold treasure that was stolen.

Several centuries-old gold coins stolen in 2015 have been recovered by Florida authorities.

The FWC, with the help of the FBI, recovered 37 coins worth a combined $1 million in a press release published Tuesday.

In July 1715, two Spanish fleets lost several ships in a hurricane, resulting in their treasure sinking to the ocean floor.

In 2015, the Schmitt family, operating under the LLC 1715 Fleet - Queens Jewels, discovered a treasure trove of 101 gold coins off Florida's Treasure Coast, exactly 300 years after the original discovery in 1715.

The others were not accounted for, which is considered stealing.

The FWC noted that out of the reported coins, 51 were adjudicated correctly, while 50 were not disclosed and were later stolen.

The FWC and FBI have been collaborating to probe Eric Schmitt, who is suspected of selling multiple stolen gold coins illegally between 2023 and 2024.

"Multiple search warrants were executed by investigators, resulting in the recovery of coins from private residences, safe deposit boxes, and auctions," the press release stated. "Five stolen coins were recovered from a Florida-based auctioneer who unknowingly purchased them from Eric Schmitt."

The statement added that advanced digital forensics found metadata and geolocation data linking Eric Schmitt to a photo of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condominium in Fort Pierce.

In 2016, Schmitt allegedly stole three gold coins and placed them in the ocean, intending for them to be discovered by the investors of 1715 Fleet - Queens Jewels, LLC.

The FWC declared that the recovery of 37 coins is a significant achievement in a long-standing investigation into the illegal trafficking of these valuable historical artifacts, as 13 coins remain unaccounted for.

"Our investigative teams, law enforcement partners, and experts are thanked for their contributions to this groundbreaking case."