From the Real Eight Company to the Big Score: Kip Wagner, Mel Fisher, and the Treasure Coast’s Modern Legacy
(Part Three of the QuickCashFor.Gold Treasure Series)
Florida’s Treasure Coast is more than just a name — it’s a stretch of shoreline where centuries-old Spanish gold still washes ashore after storms. Spanning from Vero Beach through Sebastian, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, and Jensen Beach, this region has seen some of the most thrilling treasure recoveries in modern history.
And much of that excitement comes from the work of two men: Kip Wagner and Mel Fisher.
The Real Eight Company’s Golden Era
In the 1960s, Wagner’s Real Eight Company had already proven the 1715 Plate Fleet wasn’t just a legend. They recovered thousands of silver reales, ornate gold chains, religious artifacts, and emerald-encrusted jewelry from wrecks lying in just 15 to 30 feet of water.
Word spread quickly. The beaches near Vero Beach and Sebastian Inlet became famous for “beachcomber gold” — coins found in the sand after hurricanes. But offshore, the Real Eight divers were pulling up far greater prizes.
Enter Mel Fisher
Mel Fisher, already an experienced diver and treasure hunter, joined forces with Wagner’s group and eventually led his own operations. With his famous motto, “Today’s the day,” Fisher inspired his crews through years of searching and setbacks.
By combining Wagner’s meticulous historical research with Fisher’s fearless drive, the hunt expanded, uncovering more wreck sites and bringing up extraordinary finds — from massive gold discs known as oro macuquinas to gemstone-studded crosses.
The Big Modern Wins
While many thought the Plate Fleet had given up most of its secrets by the late 20th century, the ocean had other plans. In July 2015, a family-run treasure-hunting company working under Fisher’s salvaging rights discovered over $4.5 million in gold coins off the coast of Vero Beach.
The find included 350 gold coins, among them nine ultra-rare Royal coins — perfectly struck, presentation-grade pieces made for Spanish royalty. Each was valued at over $300,000. The haul made international headlines and reminded the world that there is still fortune to be found in Florida’s waters.
Treasure Coast Today
Today, Florida’s Treasure Coast remains a magnet for professional salvors, amateur metal detectorists, and curious beach walkers. State laws and salvage agreements regulate the hunt, but every hurricane season stirs up the sand — and sometimes, history rises to the surface.
Will there be another massive haul from the 1715 Plate Fleet?
Given that storms and shifting sands continually uncover new artifacts, most treasure hunters will tell you: absolutely. Somewhere off the shores of Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, or Jensen Beach, gold, silver, and emeralds still lie buried — waiting for the right storm, the right diver, or perhaps just the right day.
Your Treasure Might Be Closer Than You Think
You don’t have to dive in Florida’s waters to uncover gold. The “treasure” in your own home — broken gold chains, old wedding bands, silver flatware, coins you don’t collect anymore — could be worth more than you realize.
At QuickCashFor.Gold, we make turning those items into cash simple and safe. Our free, no-risk appraisal kit lets you send your precious metals from anywhere in the country. Our experts evaluate them, make you an offer, and send fast payment — no diving mask required.
The 1715 Plate Fleet’s story isn’t over — and neither is yours.
Your treasure might be sitting in a drawer right now. Let’s bring it to the surface.