NEW YORK (PIX11) — A joint operation between the FBI, the Department of Justice and the New York Police Department resulted in the return of a stolen centuries-old "priceless cultural artifact" to the government of Mexico, officials announced.

The FBI returned a stolen manuscript signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés on Feb. 20, 1527, to the Mexican government in a ceremony on Wednesday.

The nearly 500-year-old manuscript "outlines the payment of pesos of common gold for expenses in preparation for the discovery of the spice lands," FBI Art Crime Team Special Agent Jessica Dittmer said.

"It really gives a lot of flavor as to the planning and preparation for uncharted territory back then."

Authorities believe the document was taken from Mexico’s national archives between 1985 and

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