Several recently published books will be featured at the Society’s 2026 Conference in Vero Beach next month. We are honored to have several of these books released for the first time in conjunction with our conference.
Topping the list is ARCE’S DOUBLOONS: A Die Study of the Colombian Gold Cob Coinage of Assayer Arce in the name of Charles II, 1692-1714 (132 pages). Written by Daniel Sedwick (Member #2), a professional numismatist, author, and expert in Spanish colonial cob coinage, this landmark book is a reference on 1715 Fleet Bogota gold 2 escudos. The work examines hundreds of examples to chronologically sequence the disused 2 escudos gold coins of the Bogota mint from 1682 to 1714, during the tenure of assayer Buenaventura de Arce Penagos.
The book is available in soft cover for $49.95 plus tax (or pre-order a hard cover version for $89.95 plus shipping). Daniel Sedwick will be available to discuss his book when he speaks at our conference on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11:15 AM.
Off The Deep End is a book written by John Brandon that highlights his lifetime search for Spanish treasure. His book is filled with danger, adventure, and humor. A well-respected member of the shipwreck community, John has been involved in the hunt since he held his first piece of Spanish treasure at the age of ten. In soft cover, the book is 313 pages, is well-written, and fun to read. John will be available to sell and sign books at our upcoming conference (January 12-14, 2026) as well as at our reception at the Vero Beach Heritage Center on Sunday, January 11, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and our membership dinner on Tuesday evening, January 13, at Captain Hiram’s in Sebastian. Purchase on Amazon HERE.
Our next offering is the latest book written by Sal Guttuso (Member #226), Finding the Fort. The third in his series of books dealing with numismatics, treasure, and archeology, Finding the Fort is the first real archeological analysis of Fort Capron, located near Fort Pierce. Active during the Third Seminole War, Fort Capron had a rather short existence from 1850-1858. The neighborhood of St. Lucie Village is now located on the site of the fort. The backyards of the houses there produce copious amounts of archaeological material, which is the subject matter of this book. The artifacts are used by the author to help locate the dimensions of the fort, as no official record exists depicting its boundary. In addition, a chapter is dedicated to the lost payroll of Fort Capron, which in and of itself is a very interesting subcomponent of the book. In dealing with the lost payroll, the book presents for the first time the collection of gold coins from the lost payroll, which are part of the State of Florida’s collection. The book is published in hardcover and consists of 257 pages. It was co-authored by Ben Costello (President, 1715 Fleet Society) and Terry Howard. Sal Guttuso and Ben Costello will discuss the book at our conference on Wednesday, January 14. The book will be available for sale on that day.
Beyond the Fold is Randy Lathrop’s newest book, which is a captivating collection of treasure tales from old newspapers covering a span of years from 1885 to the turn of the millennium. It is a companion piece to his O Treasure Where Art Thou, which he published in 2021. Both books are great reads. This collection of stories will fill your love of treasure and discovery. Books will be available on Sunday, January 11, at the Heritage Center Reception. Soft cover, 281 pages. Purchase on Amazon HERE.
Julian Sancton is the author of Neptune’s Fortune: The Billion Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire. The book deals with the wreck of the San Jose, lost in 1708. It has been estimated that the San Jose is one of the most valuable wrecks ever found. Julian has authored or contributed to many publications during his prestigious career. His latest book will be on sale January 27, 2026. Pre-orders will be accepted at our conference. Julian is scheduled to speak on Monday, January 12, at 10:00 AM.
Our Advisory Board member, Charlie Winn (Coin Pedigree and Provenance, Member #136), has recently authored a most interesting book called The Middle East Collection: Volume One. Released in September 2025, the book deals with a numismatic analysis of 197 specimen coins from a collection brought together by an unknown gentleman who assembled the collection over a span of thirty years. Many of the coins in the collection were Fleet era coins, which is why the grouping was so interesting. Also, as the book explains, there were other reasons why this analysis was so necessary. The book is well worth the cost. It is in soft cover and consists of 56 pages. Charlie will be available to sell and sign his book at the Heritage Center reception as well as the conference. He is our first speaker on Monday, January 12, 2026. Purchase on Amazon HERE.
