Artifact

LONG-LOST TREASURE: Florida- based explorers found what may be the richest shipwreck treasure ever--a trove of colonial-era gold and silver coins that may be worth $500 million.

A QUESTION OF LINEAGE: Which long-since-downed ship was it? The British Merchant Royal? The H.M.S. Sussex, whose wreckage is claimed by Spain? Odyssey Marine Exploration has yet to identify the vessel.

THE CONTROVERSY: The divers, who brought the loot home, say the ship was in neutral territory. Skeptical officials from Spain vowed to reclaim any booty from Spanish waters.