Most people go to the beach looking for seashells, sun, or maybe a decent parking spot. But a lucky few walk away with something a little more sparkly. Like gold doubloons. That actually happened to a building contractor, who stumbled across ancient coins during a weekend stroll in Florida.

The ocean is essentially the world's largest lost-and-found, filled with centuries of maritime disasters. When Spanish treasure fleets met hurricanes, pirate ships got too greedy for their own good, or merchant vessels met one reef too many, they left behind a fortune in gold, silver, and priceless artifacts. Countless shipwrecks and the riches they hold are still out there, just waiting for someone with a metal detector.

Of course, treasure hunting isn't exactly a walk on the beach. It takes persiste

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