One of the most vicious pirates to sail the Spanish Main and Coastal waters of Florida in the early 19th century, was Henri Caesar. He was known as Black Caesar, the son of African slaves. Caesar was said to have stashed $6 million in plunder on the west coast of Florida. On Pine Island there are some very old trees that bear the pirate markings of Caesar. The locals believe the markings identify Round Key as the Treasure Island.
In 1715, 11 Spanish Galleons left Havana Harbor and were lost off the Atlantic coast of Florida, scattering their treasures along the ocean floor. Millions of dollars’ worth of gold, silver, jewelry and ship artifacts were strewn along the east-central coast of Florida.
According to legend, just off the southwest Florida coast, King Phillip of Spain married the Duchess of Parma, Isabel Farnese in 1713. She refused to consummate their royal marriage until he gave her jewels that were unique to all of the world. The King commissioned remarkable treasures be made for his bride, including a golden jewel-studded carriage pulled by a team of gilded silver horses, 41 chests of emeralds and a 74-carat emerald ring set in gold. The entire treasure was lost at sea during a storm somewhere off of the southwest Florida coast.
Because of Florida’s location within the most treacherous of waters of the bustling trade route, a share of Europe’s lost treasure lies along the Sunshine State’s east and west coasts and throughout the Keys.
Eric Schmitt, A Florida salvager, struck gold when he unearthed a priceless religious artifact from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean in 2014. The sunken treasure was discovered at the site of a 300-year-old shipwreck off the coast of Ft. Pierce. It was the missing piece of a necklace.
Depending on the age and condition, a silver coin can sell for as much as $1,000 and a gold piece for as much as $20,000. You may discover a 300-year-old piece of pottery of museum quality.
When looking for treasure, stay on the beaches beyond the surf line. Look for the