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Gold Chalice found off Florida Keys
by Florida Key News Burea
Shipwreck salvagers
have recovered a gold chalice while searching
for the wreckage of a Spanish galleon off the
Florida Keys.
The ornate two-handled chalice stands on a gold
base and is adorned with etched scrollwork on
the upper portion. It was located by Blue Water
Ventures diver Michael DeMar beneath about a
foot of sand in 18 feet of water approximately
30 miles west of Key West.
More than a quarter-century ago, the late Key
West treasure hunter Mel Fisher began the search
for artifacts from the Santa Margarita, which
sank in 1622.
The chalice is slated to arrive at a Key West
laboratory Wednesday morning. Experts hope
cleaning it will reveal more details of a crest
etched inside the bottom of the piece.
Salvors estimated the value of the chalice at $1
million or more. |