He was searching a Florida beach for treasure. What he found predated the United States.
Striking gold when treasure hunting doesn’t happen often — until it does.
Jonah Martinez, 43, discovered numerous 18th century Spanish silver coins with his metal detector while treasure hunting last month at Turtle Trail Beach Access in Vero Beach. The 22 coins originated from a shipwreck in 1715, according to the TC Palm.
“Not everyone knows why it’s called the Treasure Coast,” Martinez told the newspaper. “This is why.”
The coins are probably worth roughly $7,000, according to Martinez’s estimations.
As the legend goes, a fleet of 12 Spain-bound ships filled with American treasure ran into a hurricane off the Florida coast. The storm sunk 11 of them, their precious jewels finding a new home at the bottom of the ocean.
Florida law allows individuals to explore and recover artifacts on public beaches; however, those wishing to do so on state-owned lands underwater need a permit.
As for Martinez, he plans to keep his most recent haul rather than sell.
“It’s a passion,” the Port St. Lucie resident said. “It’s the thrill of the hunt that I love.”
This story was originally published March 3, 2020 at 6:06 PM.
