For 440 years no one could open the lock from the sunken ship. However, modern scientists have managed to crack it. The object was discovered off the coast of Wales among Spanish coins. For nearly two decades, treasure hunter Peter Hughes tried to find the combination by hand, but only scientists from Cardiff University were able to decipher the mechanism. Experts used micro-computed tomography, which made it possible to study the internal structure of the lock without damaging the find. As a result, they were able to calculate the four-letter code -. ANCE. It is believed that the lock was used to lock a chest of valuables on a Spanish ship that sank in 1583.

For 440 years no one could open the lock from the sunken ship. However, modern scientists have managed to crack it. The object was discovered off the coast of Wales among Spanish coins. For nearly two decades, treasure hunter Peter Hughes tried to find the combination by hand, but only scientists from Cardiff University were able to decipher the mechanism. Experts used micro-computed tomography, which made it possible to study the internal structure of the lock without damaging the find. As a result, they were able to calculate the four-letter code -. ANCE. It is believed that the lock was used to lock a chest of valuables on a Spanish ship that sank in 1583.