A Hidden Fortune Uncovered
In a quiet village in southwestern France, a dusty old house held a secret that stunned the world. After Paul Narce, an 89-year-old coin collector, passed away in 2024, a notary searched his home in Castillonnès. Villagers whispered about Narce’s coin-collecting hobby, shared with his late sister, Claudette. The notary finally found a chest tucked behind a painting in a storage room filled with fishing rods and garden tools. Inside were over 1,000 historic gold coins, which sold for $3.3 million at a Paris auction this week.
A Collection Spanning Centuries
The coins are a time machine, covering ancient Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and French history up to the 19th century. A standout is a rare Louis XVI coin from 1774–1793, valued at $2,700 to $3,800 each. The chest also held ten pouches, each with 172 “Napoléons,” the famous French 20-franc gold coins. Narce, a reclusive man with a disability, carefully labeled each coin, showing his passion for collecting. Experts were shocked by the collection’s size and rarity, as Narce was unknown in the coin world.
| Coin Type | Estimated Value | Historical Period |
|---|---|---|
| Louis XVI Coin | $2,700–$3,800 | 1774–1793 |
| Napoléons (20-franc) | Varies | 19th Century |
A Secret Almost Lost Forever
Narce lived a simple life with no children or close family. After his sister died, he moved to a care home, leaving the house empty. Few knew about his coin obsession, and no one knew where he hid them. The notary’s search almost failed until he checked behind that painting. The coins, worth a fortune, could have stayed hidden forever. This find shows how treasures can lurk in ordinary places, waiting for someone to look closer.
France’s History of Hidden Gold
France seems to be a hotspot for hidden treasures. In 2016, a man in Normandy found gold coins and bars worth $3.5 million under furniture and in a bathroom. In 2019, workers in Brittany uncovered 239 rare gold coins from the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Another find in 2021 in Morez revealed $650,000 in gold bars and coins. These discoveries keep France buzzing with stories of secret stashes in old homes.
What’s Next for the Treasure?
- The coins were sold at auction in Paris, drawing collectors from around the world.
- Experts will study the collection to learn about ancient and French coin-making.
- The sale’s proceeds go to Narce’s estate, with no direct heirs to claim it.
- Check old homes carefully—walls or furniture might hide valuable surprises.
A Legacy in Gold
This $3.3 million coin stash is more than just money—it’s a piece of history. From ancient kingdoms to French royalty, each coin tells a story. Narce’s quiet hobby has now made headlines, turning his small village into a global talking point. As collectors celebrate their new treasures, this find reminds us that history might be hiding in the walls of an old house, waiting to be found.
