Featured 1715 Fleet Society Conference. Visit report.

Here is my overview and speaker programme for the 1715 Fleet Society 2026 Conference held 12–14 January at Indian River State College, Vero Beach, Florida which featured a diverse range of experts covering salvage updates, numismatic studies, and historical research. I’ve produced this overview from my conference notes and online sources such as the 1715 Fleet Society website. This is my own opinion and recollections.
The 1715 Fleet Society is a premier 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the scholarly study and preservation of Florida’s shipwreck history. For the numismatic community, it serves as a vital hub for researching Spanish Colonial coinage, providing expert die studies and provenance verification for the gold and silver treasures recovered from the Atlantic. They have a great website with access to hundreds of coins and artefacts recovered from shipwrecks and land caches.

Unfortunately, I missed the “meet and greet” held at the McLarty Treasure Museum on the afternoon before the conference as I was travelling. This comprised of a private museum tour, a “bring and tell” opportunity and several well-known vendors selling coins, books and other merchandise. Members of the public were welcomed and able to have their coins and artefacts identified and valued.

I was disappointed to miss this.

As I previously explained, the following is an overview taken from notes I made at the conference supplemented by online content I researched on speakers. My notes do not do the speakers or the organisation justice as the organisation and speakers were much better than my descriptions. The speakers were also generous and gracious with their time and sharing their knowledge after they spoke and I met many of them during the conference. One notable member of the Society I met, was Dr Peter Jones author of “Treasure” and “First Coins of the Americas”. It was Peter’s “Treasure” book that sparked my interest in shipwreck coins. I have a life long interest as a diver and collector who surprisingly had never considered collecting “treasure” or “shipwreck” coins before reading it. I have never found a single coin diving only ordnance and some victims of the sea. My world is 50-foot rise and fall tides, fast currents, dry suits and often zero visibility. To read about warm clear waters and treasure is sheer escapism for me but I can now be connected by the coins.

The 2026 Conference opened with a profound sense of legacy, as the first order of business was a tribute to the man often called the "Sleuth of the Seas."

The conference officially commenced on Monday, 12 January, with a moving Dedication to Dr Eugene Lyon (1929–2020). While Dr Lyon passed away a few years ago, his impact on the 1715 Fleet Society and the broader world of shipwreck research remains peerless.

Society Chairman of the Board, Ben Costello delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on Lyon’s "determination and genius." He highlighted how Lyon’s meticulous archival work in Seville—translating centuries-old Spanish manifests—provided the literal "map" that led Mel Fisher to the Atocha and the Santa Margarita.

In a particularly poignant moment, the Society made a formal presentation to the Lyon family. Several of Eugene’s children—including Kenny Lyon, Beth Lyon, and Gale Lyon—have remained close to the Society’s work. The presentation served as a "thank you" for the family's continued support and for Dr Lyon’s lifetime of work, which transformed treasure hunting into a legitimate historical and archaeological science.

The tribute reminded attendees that without Lyon’s discovery of the General Archive of the Indies documents, the 1715 Fleet might still be a series of disconnected beach finds rather than a fully understood historical event.

The first two days focused strictly on the 1715 Fleet, whilst the final day expanded to other notable shipwrecks and hoards.

Monday, 12 January: All Things Fleet

The opening day focused on the technical and historical aspects of the 1715 Fleet and its recovery. All of the speakers had a follow up “questions and answers” spot after their talks which allowed attendees to ask individual questions. I won’t elaborate much on the question and answers because they were too extensive for this short overview. Several speakers and attendees were awarded certificates of appreciation during the conference and it its end. Any of the speakers I mention below would be worthy of their own article about their lives and achievements.

Charlie Winn: Buyer Beware: The Value of a Pedigree — A look at the importance of provenance in shipwreck collecting.

Charlie was the first speaker and by the end of his lecture I knew that I had made the right decision to attend the conference. Charlie Winn is the Society’s Pedigree and Provenance Specialist and a member of the Advisory Board. A retired US Army veteran (82nd Airborne) and former commercial fisherman, Charlie has spent decades diving the Florida coast and researching Spanish Colonial coinage. He maintains a massive personal research library of over 1,500 publications and thousands of auction records.

His talk was a masterclass in "numismatic detective work," focusing on why the history of a coin’s ownership is often as valuable as the coin. He detailed his work in establishing provenance of coins—using old auction catalogues and photographs from the 1960s and 70s to prove that a specific coin came from a famous wreck or collection, which can significantly increase its market value.

He used the famous 1972 Schulman Sale as a case study, showing how modern collectors can track coins back to the original divers like Mel Fisher and the Real Eight Company. He warned members about the risks of modern fakes and the importance of official Certificates of Authenticity (COAs), sharing tips on how to spot "red flag" documentation. He gave some jaw dropping anecdotes of coins that were sold at auction for hundreds of dollars being “hyped” and remarketed within months at tens of thousands of dollars to the unwary after being mounted in jewellery.

Julian Sancton: The San Jose and its Relationship to the 1715 Fleet

Julian Sancton is a distinguished author and senior features editor at The Hollywood Reporter whose historical narratives often focus on the limits of human endurance. He is perhaps best known for Madhouse at the End of the Earth, an account of the 1897 Belgica expedition, where the crew had to survive a brutal Antarctic winter. Polar exploration history is something that has always interested me so I was keen to hear him speak albeit on a different subject.

In his talk regarding the Spanish galleon San José, Julian explored the ship's relationship with the broader treasure fleet system, including the legendary 1715 Fleet. Sunk off Cartagena in 1708 during a naval battle with the British, the San José carried a cargo of gold and emeralds now valued at billions of pounds. Julian highlighted how the ship’s fate mirrored the perils faced by the 1715 Fleet, which was famously lost to a hurricane off the Florida coast.

His narrative focused on the obsession required to locate such "Holy Grails," specifically profiling Florida-based researcher Roger Dooley, whose decades of archival study finally led to the wreck's discovery in 2015. Julian’s analysis effectively bridged the gap between 18th-century maritime logistics and the modern legal quagmires currently surrounding shipwreck recovery.

Daniel Sedwick: Arce’s Doubloons — A detailed die study of Colombian gold cob coinage (2 escudos) minted under Assayer Arce (1692–1714).

Dan founded the current auction house, Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC, in 2008, the family legacy began much earlier with his father, Dr Frank Sedwick. A former professor, Frank transitioned into full-time numismatics in 1981, and the pair worked closely together until Frank’s passing in 1996.

In his talk, "Arce’s Doubloons," Dan showcased the meticulous research from his new book, focusing on the Colombian 2 escudos gold cobs minted under Assayer Arce between 1692 and 1714. Using an impressive array of slides, he demonstrated a detailed die study that allows us to identify and categorise these hand-struck coins with new precision. This work is especially vital for the 1715 Fleet community, as Arce’s gold was a significant part of the treasure lost off the Florida coast. Signed copies of Dan’s new book were available for purchase at the conference and it has been published as hardback and paperback.

As well as operating the best-known specialist auction house for treasure coins and artefacts, the company publishes the Practical Book of Cobs. Owning a copy of the Practical Book of Cobs is essential for any of us interested in the fleet and Spanish colonial coins. Originally penned by Frank in 1987, Dan has since expanded it into the definitive "bible" for shipwreck enthusiasts. It remains the most accessible guide for navigating the complexities of mint marks and assayers that we discussed during the sessions.


Sal Guttuso: Unique and Notable Discoveries from the 2024 Salvage Season — An update from the Operations Manager of 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC.

Sal Guttuso is the Operations Manager for 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC, the company that owns the salvage rights to the 1715 Fleet shipwreck sites. He oversees the daily work of the salvage crews, the diving operations on vessels like the Capitana, and the processing of recovered items.

In his in-depth presentation, Sal provided an update on recent salvage seasons, specifically highlighting a major find from the summer of 2025. A crew working on the M/V Just Right located a "hoard" of more than 1,000 silver coins (reales) and several gold coins in a single concentrated area.

The collection is valued at over $1 million (£770,000). Sal explained that finding so many coins in one spot is rare and suggests they were likely contained in a wooden chest that was buried quickly after the ship broke apart in 1715. His talk focused on the technical side of the recovery and the historical data these coins provide regarding the various Spanish colonial mints. Sam’s question and answer session at the end of his presentation included a good-humoured discussion followed the talk discussing how his department negotiated the State’s 20% portion.

The 1715 Fleet- Queens Jewels, LLC is the vital link between the State, salvors and anyone interested in this history. You can learn more here : https://www.1715treasurefleet.com/




Richard Mellin: Chinese Export Porcelain — Identifying and dating the porcelain shards often found along the Treasure Coast.

Richard Mellin is a dedicated researcher and a key administrative figure within the 1715 Fleet Society, where he serves as a Special Consultant for Fundraising and Projects. Based on the Treasure Coast, he is deeply involved in the local preservation of maritime history, frequently hosting educational visits and events at the McLarty Treasure Museum in Sebastian. He is particularly esteemed for his expertise in colonial trade goods, which he demonstrated at the January 2026 Conference with his presentation, "Chinese Export Porcelain". In this talk, Richard explored the complex global journey of Kangxi-period porcelain from China to the Spanish galleons, providing members with essential diagnostic tools to identify authentic shards and vessels recovered from fleet wreck sites. His work emphasises the archaeological significance of these ceramics as vital markers for understanding the trade routes and cargo distribution of the 1715 Fleet.

An interesting aspect that Richard raised was exactly how these delicate items survived shipwrecks. He explained how the items were “nested” and wrapped in clay and rice straw and how their fire glazed finish helped preservation. Attributed Chinese shipwreck porcelain pieces several centuries old are readily available and often at very little cost. Many shipwreck coin collectors own a piece of shipwreck porcelain.

Jim Sinclair: Unique Objects from the 1715 Fleet and Other Associated Wrecks

Jim Sinclair, MA, is a world-renowned marine archaeologist whose career began in 1981 alongside the iconic Mel Fisher. He played a pivotal role as the co-director of archaeology and conservation during the legendary quest for the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita. Over the decades, Jim has overseen the preservation of more than half a million archaeological objects, developing many of the conservation techniques still used in laboratories today. His work has taken him to the depths of the RMS Titanic and across the globe to shipwrecks in Indonesia, Panama, and the Caribbean. Currently, he serves as the 1715 Fleet Society Archaeologist, continuing his decades-long dedication to the fleet.

In his talk, "Unique Objects from the 1715 Fleet and Other Associated Wrecks," Jim drew on his forty years of experience to showcase some of the most remarkable artefacts ever recovered from the ocean floor. While his slides featured the expected treasures, he focused on the "human" stories behind the objects—from navigational tools used by Spanish pilots to the personal belongings of the crew. He compared finds from the 1715 Fleet with other notable wrecks he has worked on, such as the SS Central America and the Atocha, illustrating how unique objects help archaeologists reconstruct the daily lives and final moments of those aboard.

His talk wasn't just a catalogue of treasure; it was a masterclass in how professional archaeology adds historical value to every piece of gold or silver recovered. Whether discussing a simple ceramic shard or a "king's ransom" in silver, Jim highlighted how careful documentation transforms a "find" into a piece of history.


Tuesday, 13 January: Collections and History

The second day shifted towards the institutional collections and the early days of recovery.


Sam Wilford (Florida Division of Historical Resources): Plate Fleet Collections Held by the Florida Division of Historical Resources

A rare look at the artifacts curated by the state. Dr Sam Wilford is a key figure in the management of Florida’s state-owned historical treasures. He currently serves as the Deputy State Archaeologist and the Archaeology Collections and Conservation Supervisor for the Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR).

His role is vital to the 1715 Fleet Society because the State of Florida technically owns 20% of all artifacts recovered from the fleet’s wreck sites; Wilford is the man responsible for overseeing that massive collection. Sam explained how the 20% division was agreed between the State and the Salvors.

Taffi Fisher: In the Beginning — The daughter of Mel Fisher provided personal insights into the early years of the modern treasure hunt.

Taffi presented a unique link to the early days of her father’s adventures in an inimitable manner. A 1715 Fleet Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Taffi and her family and we were reminded that ultimately, we would not have been at the conference without the likes of Taffi’s father and others like Kip Wagner.

Brent Brisben: 1,000 yd Stretch of Beach — Discussion on the high-yield coastal areas of the Fleet sites.

Brent Brisben is the CEO and Managing Member of 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC, the company that holds the exclusive salvage rights to the fleet. Since purchasing these rights from the heirs of Mel Fisher in 2010, Brisben has overseen some of the most significant shipwreck recoveries in modern history, including the £3.5 million ($4.5 million) find of gold coins and "Royals" on the fleet's 300th anniversary in 2015. Brent presented a session titled "1,000 yd Stretch of Beach", where he discussed the complex debris fields created when the 1715 hurricane destroyed the ships against the reefs. His talk detailed how artifacts were dispersed over miles and why significant treasure—including the elusive "Queen’s Jewels"—continues to be found in shallow waters very close to the Florida shoreline.

Detailed charts were presented showing individual finds and dates and how the finds illustrated how ships may have foundered on one spot but then were blown as a whole or in parts for several miles by the hurricane.

Ben Costello: An Afternoon with the Real Eight — A presentation of a vintage 1997 interview with original members of the Real Eight Company.

Ben Costello is a co-founder and the Chairman of the Board of the 1715 Fleet Society. An attorney based in Pennsylvania, Ben’s involvement in the Society stems from a lifelong passion for numismatics and Spanish Colonial treasure coins. Since help starting the organisation in 2008, he has been a primary contributor to its research, authoring numerous articles and co-authoring the book Treasures of a Lost Fleet.

Ben’s first talk was "An Afternoon with the Real Eight": A curated screening and discussion of a vintage 1997 interview with the original members of the Real Eight Company, the group responsible for the modern rediscovery of the 1715 Fleet. The interview offered an insight into “those that were there” at the early discoveries and the difficulties they faced. What was also impressive was the modesty of these salvors and the matter-of-fact manner they presented their discoveries and the difficulties they encountered on every front including State and legal intervention and even attempted piracy!

Tuesday evening was spent at a banquet at a local resort, where the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The highlight of the night was an exclusive exhibition featuring some of the 2025 Season 1715 Fleet finds. 1715 Fleet Chairman Ben Costello presided over the evening, ensuring the programme moved along seamlessly. Captain Mike Perna of the Mighty Mo and Sal Guttuso were the men of the hour, hosting the private viewing and sharing the incredible stories behind the gold and silver pulled from the Atlantic. When Captain Mike spoke of the day of the discovery and the circumstances surrounding it, you could have heard a pin drop. This was history in the raw, delivered straight from the horse’s mouth.

Everything about the event was splendid: the food, the company, and a silent auction that was faultlessly organised. There were some amazing donated lots to raise funds for the Society including coins from the 1715 Fleet, SS Republic and Central America, some scarce books and artefacts from the SS Republic and Central America. I was lucky enough to win six older volumes of Sedwick Auction catalogues. For any cob collector, these are invaluable reference works; the Sedwick catalogues are always superbly illustrated, offering great descriptions that make them both a great read and an essential resource.


A silent auction lot. Mustard Jar recovered from the SS Republic.

Wednesday, 14 January: Other Shipwrecks and Hoards

The final day branched out into famous wrecks and hoards from around the world.


Bob Evans: The Smaller Treasures of the S.S. Central America

Bob was the chief scientist on the recovery and discussed the less-publicised finds from the "Ship of Gold". Bob Evans is a geologist, historian, and professional numismatist who is most widely recognised as the Chief Scientist for the S.S. Central America project (the "Ship of Gold"). He has been a central figure in the research and recovery of the 1857 shipwreck since the early 1980s, serving as the primary scientist and curator for the thousands of gold coins and ingots recovered from 7,200 feet of water. Known for his "top-down" entry into numismatics, Bob developed specialised conservation techniques to reveal the original surfaces of coins that had been submerged for over a century.

Bob’ s presentation focused on the more personal and unique aspects of the shipwreck's cargo, moving beyond the famous commercial gold bars to discuss:

• Passenger Wealth: The diverse array of coins carried by individuals returning from the California Gold Rush, which Bob describes as a "numismatic time capsule."
• The "Working Funds": A look at the ship's cash box, which included a massive hoard of nearly 9,000 dimes and other silver coinage—an "East Coast treasure" that contrasted with the San Francisco-minted gold.
• Personal Artifacts: The discovery of "iron boxes" and safes that contained personal effects, providing a poignant link to the 477 lives lost in the 1857 disaster, a particularly startling image was that of the "Mona Lisa" of the Deep” a stunningly clear portrait of a young woman found in a leather case at the wreck site. As it was a metal daguerreotype it had not disappeared as a paper image would have.

This talk continued in the afternoon as the last session of the conference to replace Barry Clifford’s talk.

During this first session, Bob introduced a young man named Aman Shah who gave a talk on the “Small Change on the Ship of Gold: SS Central America Shipwreck” Bob explained that he reviewed many papers each month but Aman’s paper was masterly. I have to say that the young man’s presentation was confident, erudite and quite frankly enthralling. If this is what he can produce in High School we have a lot to look forward to. I hope his talk is published. I found a previous recording of this joint presentation made on Numistalks. https://www.money.org/videos/numismatalks/ It’s well worth viewing as are Bob Evans’ blogs. Bob’s blogs can be found here;

https://finestknown.com/treasure-talk-with-bob-evans/

Jeff Garrett: The Great Kentucky Hoard — Insight into the massive find of Civil War-era gold coins discovered in 2023.

Jeff is a renowned numismatist, researcher, and author with over 45 years of experience in the industry. He is a past president of both the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG). Widely considered an "expert's expert," Garrett is the owner of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries and serves as the senior editor and valuation editor for the Guide Book of United States Coins (the "Red Book"). He is also a consultant for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Numismatic Collection, where he assists with research and exhibit funding. Another legend! I’ve seen him on various TV programs such as Pawn Stars and podcasts but he was a real bonus speaker as far as I was concerned and totally unexpected.

Jeff’s presentation provided an exclusive "behind-the-scenes" look at one of the most significant numismatic discoveries in decades. Key highlights included:

• The Discovery: He detailed how he was contacted by an anonymous finder who had unearthed over 800 Civil War-era gold coins in a Kentucky cornfield in 2023.
• The "Time Capsule": Jeff described the hoard as a virtual time capsule of mid-19th-century coinage, including hundreds of gold dollars (1850–1862) and rare 1863 Double Eagles from the elusive Dahlonega Mint.
• Historical Context: He discussed the likely reasons for the burial, theorising that the coins were hidden during the turmoil of the Civil War in Kentucky—a state that saw families pitted against one another despite its official neutrality.
• Conservation and Certification: Jeff outlined his role in the conservation, grading (via NGC), and eventual marketing of the hoard, which is estimated to be worth over $2 million.

Jeff’s talk centred on the idea that "every great coin has a great story," using this record-breaking find to illustrate how history remains "alive" beneath the soil. After his talk, he shared a video on his cell phone with some of the members that had been captured by the hoard’s finder at the very moment of discovery. I’ve seen a few revelations on YouTube, but nothing like this! A priceless moment.


Russell Augustin: Loss of the S.S. Pulaski and the S.S. North Carolina — Focusing on steamship disasters and their recoveries.

Russell Augustin is a highly esteemed professional numismatist with over 40 years of experience, currently serving as the president of AU Capital Management (AUCM) and as a senior numismatist for RARCOA. A Life Member of the American Numismatic Association and a frequent contributor to CoinWeek, his expertise spans from ancient coinage to rare U.S. gold issues. Russell delivered an insightful presentation titled "Loss of the S.S. Pulaski and the S.S. North Carolina", which pivoted from the 1715 Fleet to explore two of the most significant steamship disasters in American maritime history. During his talk, Richard detailed the 1838 explosion of the S.S. Pulaski—frequently referred to as the "Titanic of its time"—and the 1840 collision of the S.S. North Carolina, highlighting how the recent recoveries of these wrecks have provided a pristine "numismatic snapshot" of the gold and silver coins circulating in the United States during the late 1830s. His talk emphasised that these shipwreck sites serve as unique time capsules, allowing researchers to study specific minting varieties and wear patterns that are otherwise lost to the general circulation of history.

One interesting fact that Russell explained was that following the SS Pulaski explosion new legislation was passed in the UK forbidding vessels to enter British Ports unless their boiler pressure was below one atmosphere. This was because of river boat explosions and the SS Pulaski showed it could happen on the high seas. This was pivotal and restrictive to trade as USA engineers advocated high pressure boilers so mainly applied to USA vessels.

I had never heard of the Pulaski but found some coins on the Internet after searching including some English coins. Another coin for the list. Maybe one day……


Sal Guttuso & Ben Costello: The Archaeology of Fort Capron — Research into the artifacts and the "lost payroll" associated with this Florida fortification.

The joint research by Sal Guttuso and Ben Costello into Fort Capron represents a vital expansion of the Society's scope, bridging the gap between maritime tragedy and terrestrial military history. Sal Guttuso, in his capacity as the Director of Operations for 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC, brings a rigorous, field-proven methodology to the project, ensuring that the same archaeological standards applied to the sea floor are brought to the study of this 1850s fortification. Together with Ben Costello, whose legal and numismatic expertise provides a framework for tracking historical records, they have delved into the mystery of the "lost payroll"—a shipment of American gold and silver coins intended for the fort's garrison that was lost in a boating accident on 1 May 1857.

Their work is interesting and important as it highlights a "second" treasure story within the same geographic region as the 1715 Fleet, illustrating how Florida's coast served as a treacherous crossroads for both Spanish colonial riches and early American military commerce. By identifying specific diagnostic artifacts—such as period-correct buttons, bullets, and the unique U.S. gold coinage found near the Old Indian River Inlet—Sam and Ben are not only hunting for lost wealth but are actively rewriting the frontier history of the Third Seminole War. One aspect that was covered that was that their research shows there is still a sizeable portion of the “lost payroll” still to be recovered.

An interesting fact that Sal made was that their research revealed that the officer who “lost” the payroll also progressed his career by losing another payroll in dubious circumstances!

The presentation also served to introduce a new limited edition book jointly authored by Sal and Ben titled "The Silver Treasure Chest" which is a study of their work and the history of Fort Capron.


Barry Clifford: The Whydah and its Relationship to the 1715 Fleet — The discoverer of the Whydah Gally (the only fully authenticated pirate shipwreck)

Barry was to discuss cross-over history with the Fleet. Unfortunately, Barry was taken ill and couldn’t attend. Bob Evans stepped in and gave a further great talk on SS Central America recoveries and an insight into his career as a marine archaeologist.

The convention ended with a raffle of give away gifts for members and there were some impressive prizes including an early Cobb Company Shipwreck 8 reales with a COA signed by Mel Fisher and Dr Eugene Lyons.

Doors were open every morning at 07.30 am for an excellent breakfast buffet and members were greeted by Lenore Wetzel assisted by her daughter Lydia Cleary. CEO Ben Costello made a point of acknowledging Lenore by announcing her “Chief of Staff” as he explained she was the foundation and cornerstone of the whole conference.

Leonore’s daughter Lydia's contribution to the event was particularly notable because she is currently a submariner serving in the U.S. Navy and took leave to fly back to help her mother.

Finally, on arrival, all members were presented with a handsome leather binder and 1715 Fleet pen to take notes and hold documents. A great event and a great meeting of minds.

The next 1715 Fleet conference will be held in 2028 and is already being planned and I won’t miss it!

If you are interested in joining the 1715 Fleet Society, membership offers members priority to events, a member’s only forum, a certificate and enamel badge and discounts on merchandise. It is a one-off life membership so no annual fees. This is their website

See: https://1715fleetsociety.com/ Forum members can get a special $25 discount.

During checkout, you'll see "Have a coupon?" underneath the "Password Confirmation" box, where the code, cobcorner, can be input to receive the discount.