Madrid, June 27 (IANS) Spain has said it is ready to share with Peru a disputed treasure trove worth millions of dollars salvaged from a shipwreck, claiming it is a part of its cultural heritage, EFE news agency reported. The vessel which was apparently carrying coins worth some $500 million was sunk in 1804. US treasure hunting firm Odyssey Marine Exploration spotted the vessel and its treasure off the coast of Portugal.

There had been different claims on the ownership of the vessel. Madrid says it is a Spanish vessel, while Peru says it is theirs.

Madrid has sued the Florida-based Odyssey over the firm’s claim to the treasure.

The coins date back to the reign of Spanish king Carlos IV which were minted in the Peruvian capital Lima. This prompted Peru to lay claim on the find as well.

The remarks came after the Peruvian government requested a US court to allow it to see the goods retrieved by the firm.

Spain says the treasure came from the Nuestra Se