Wednesday, 25th June 2008 (395 views)

A gold chalice has been found off the coast of the Florida Keys, according to the Associated Press.

Divers were exploring the shipwreck of a Spanish galleon when they made the discovery.

The chalice has two handles, stands on a gold base and etched scrollwork detailed onto the upper side.

The Spanish galleon is called the Santa Margarita is believed to have sunk in 1622.

In May this year two shipwrecks were found by American company Odyssey Marine Exploration, according to Reuters.

Odyssey Marine Exploration has been in a legal fight with the Spanish government over the discovery of a shipwreck in 2007.

Around $500 million worth of gold and silver coins were found on the wreck by the company.

Spain has claimed ownership of the sunken ship, saying it is the La Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes which sank in 1804.

The American company says the ship was discovered outside of Spain's waters.

 

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