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New research confirms the identity of a 300-year-old shipwreck off Colombia as the San José galleon. Analysis of gold coins, featuring the Jerusalem cross and Spanish monarch symbols, confirms the coins were minted in Lima in 1707. This discovery, made using an underwater vehicle and photogrammetry, strengthens claims that the wreck holds billions of dollars worth of artifacts. The find fuels a legal battle between the Colombian government and a US salvage company over ownership of the treasure.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.