A Surprise Discovery
In a small town in southwestern France, a dusty storage room turned into a treasure hunter’s dream. Last year, when Paul Narce, an 89-year-old coin collector, passed away, his old stone house in Castillonnès held a secret. A notary sorting through his estate heard rumors from villagers about Narce’s lifelong hobby of collecting coins with his sister, Claudette. After a thorough search, the notary found a chest hidden behind a picture in a room full of fishing rods and garden tools. Inside were 1,000 historic gold coins, now valued at €2 million, ready to be sold at auction in Paris.
A Collection Like No Other
The coins tell a story of history, stretching from ancient Greece and Byzantium to the Middle Ages and the 19th century. Among them is a rare Louis XVI coin, made between 1774 and 1793, worth €2,500 to €3,500 on its own. The chest also held ten cloth pouches, each packed with 172 “Napoléons,” the famous French 20-franc gold coins. Experts were amazed by the collection’s quality and variety, put together by Narce, a reclusive man with a handicap who was unknown in the coin-collecting world. His careful labeling showed a deep love for his hobby.
|
Coin Type |
Estimated Value 
|
Historical Period |
|---|---|---|
|
Louis XVI Coin |
€2,500–€3,500 | 1774–1793 |
|
Napoléons (20-franc) |
Varies 
|
19th Century |
How It Stayed Hidden
Narce and his sister lived quietly, with no children or direct heirs. After Claudette’s death, Narce moved to a care home, leaving the house untouched. Villagers knew he spent all his spare money on coins, but no one guessed they were hidden in a wall. The notary nearly gave up searching until he checked behind that picture. The discovery has sparked excitement, showing how treasures can hide in plain sight, even in a modest home packed with everyday items.
Other French Coin Finds
France seems to have a knack for hiding gold. In 2019, workers renovating a mansion in Brittany found 239 rare gold coins from the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. In 2016, a man in Normandy discovered gold coins and bars worth €3.5 million stashed under furniture and in a bathroom. Another find in 2021 in Morez uncovered €600,000 in gold bars and coins. These stories prove that old French houses might hold more than just memories.
What Happens Next?
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The coins are being sold at auction in Paris, with buyers eager to own a piece of history.
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Experts will study the collection to learn more about coin-making and trade in the past.
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The money from the sale will likely go to Narce’s estate, with no direct heirs to claim it.
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Check old houses carefully—walls, furniture, or boxes might hide valuable surprises.
A Glimpse into the Past
This €2 million find is more than just money—it’s a window into history. From ancient empires to French kings, each coin carries a story. As the auction draws collectors worldwide, Narce’s quiet hobby has turned his small French town into a global headline. Who knows what other treasures are waiting to be found in the walls of old homes?
