Modern-day treasure hunters found silver coins on an Indian River County beach, from a Spanish ship that sank in a hurricane nearly 300 years ago!
Did you know that part of Florida's east coast is referred to as the "Treasure Coast" because of how much sunken treasure has been discovered there since the 1950s? Now you know!
From ABC Action News:
Jonah Martinez, who's been combing for buried treasure for 24 years, discovered nearly two dozen silver coins from a 300-year-old sunken ship.
"When you pick up anything from these wrecks, you know you’re in the right place at the right time," said Martinez.
Martinez and a group of friends were using metal detectors to scan Wabasso Beach last Friday night, when he suddenly got a hit on something special.
"We had a good feeling that we were gonna go out there and find some stuff," said Martinez.
And that they did!
Martinez said he uncovered 22 silver coins from the 1715 Treasure Fleet wreck involving 11 Spanish ships returning from a trading voyage to Cuba that wrecked near Sebastian during a hurricane.
Martinez says he has no plans to sell the coins, that they're a part of history and not for sale. The father of two said the best time to hunt for treasure is during severe weather, hurricanes, and when cold fronts push through, as they all cause beach erosion, and that's when you're more likely to find goodies!
Very cool!
Click the link below to see more pics of the coins!
Photo: Getty Images