Priceless Roman mosaic was found in a New York City apartment The mosaic once decorated a Roman emperor's ship. It disappeared from an Italian museum during World War 2, and was eventually spotted in an apartment where it was serving as a coffee table.

Priceless Roman mosaic was found in a New York City apartment

Priceless Roman mosaic was found in a New York City apartment

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The mosaic once decorated a Roman emperor's ship. It disappeared from an Italian museum during World War 2, and was eventually spotted in an apartment where it was serving as a coffee table.

A MARTINEZ, HOST:

Good morning. I'm A Martinez.

A priceless Roman mosaic that once decorated a Roman emperor's ship went 50 years as a New York woman's coffee table. An expert recognized the piece when he gave a lecture and signed copies of his book, which had photos of the mosaic. A woman bought a copy and saw where she's been putting her morning cup of coffee. She said she bought the mosaic from an Italian noble family in the '60s. I really hope she's been using a coaster.

It's MORNING EDITION.

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