Florida’s coastline is legendary among treasure hunters for Spanish shipwrecks carrying doubloons, escudos, and pieces of eight. In this post, we delve into notable wrecks, legalities of salvage, and collecting authenticated doubloons.
Notable Shipwrecks
- Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622): Discovered in 1985 near the Marquesas Keys, this Galleon yielded over 260,000 artifacts, including gold coins. While most specimens are in S.S. Gallo Museum exhibits, certified Atocha 8 Escudo gold coins occasionally appear at Heritage Auctions with a certified Florida find history.
- Santa Margarita (1622): Located 3 miles from the Atocha site, contains rare 4-Escudo “Armada” issues. Genuine examples often sell for $12,000+.
Legal Landscape
Under the Florida Abandoned Shipwreck Act (1987), any wreck embedded in state submerged lands is state property. However, a licensed salvage company can obtain a permit to recover items and split finds with the state. Collectors should only purchase coins accompanied by a “Florida Salvage Provenance” letter to avoid legal disputes.
Identifying Authentic Doubloons
- Weight and Diameter: Standard 8 Escudo = 27.06 g, 36 mm diameter. 4 Escudo = 13.53 g, 29 mm.
- Monarch Marks: Look for Charles II (1665–1700) or Philip III (1598–1621) marks; mismatched legends or off-weight pieces are often forgeries.
- Patina and Marine Encrustation: Authentic coins show characteristic pitting and silver chlorides (greenish tarnish) if salted.
Where to Buy
- Florida Certified Dealers: Miami’s Sea Hunt Coins and Naples’ Gulf Coast Numismatics regularly list authenticated Atocha and Margarita coins.
- Online Auctions: Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers feature “Florida Atocha” labeled lots.
Bottom Line
If you’re passionate about Spanish treasure, focus on coins with documented salvage from the Atocha or Margarita wrecks. Always request a Florida State Salvage letter for authenticity, and expect certified 4–8 Escudo coins to start around $8,000 MSRP.