Recently in the United States, a unique collection of over a thousand gold coins, amassed by the late French numismatist Paul Narce, was auctioned in Paris for close to 3.8 million dollars (about 3 million euros), far exceeding pre-auction estimates of around 2.3 million euros. The auction, held at the Beaussant Lefèvre auction house, captivated collectors and historians alike with its array of coins spanning some eras of French history. This discovery of gold coins is a treasure trove that has been discovered in the wall. Read on to learn about this accidental discovery.
Where the collection was discovered
The collection was discovered between within the walls of Narce’s rural home in Castillonnès, France. A notary, conducting investigations at Narce’s house after his death, found the coins concealed in a sealed chest behind a painting in a storage room, according to the New York Post. The chest was hidden alongside fishing rods and gardening tools, and the discovery astonished even seasoned experts. It seems that they were hidden, because they were located in an special place of his house.
The collection included ancient pieces from Macedonia (circa 336–323 BC) and nearly complete sets of French royals—Louis XIV, XV, and XVI—including coins minted just before Louis XVI’s 1793 was executed. More over, ten cloth pouches each containing 172 gold “Napoléon” 20-franc coins were not covered, along with many Gothic art items, amplifying the hoard’s value.
Who is Narce and what he dedicated his life in the past
Narce, born in 1934, dedicated his life to building this collection over several decades, preferring to collect rare pieces rather than accumulate great wealth. He lived a modest and frugal life, with villagers noting that he did not travel much and was seldom seen indulging in luxuries. He had no direct descendants and ended his days in a retirement home after the death of his sister Claudette a year prior.
“Narce lived a modest life and didn’t see a lot of the world”
Narce, as an unassuming collector with no direct heirs, during his live also shared his passion with his sister Claudette, who predeceased him. After both passed, their estate was overseen by a local notary who had learned of Paul’s hidden treasure through neighbourhood whispers.
“Narce, who, lived a modest life and didn’t see a lot of the world, spent all of his money on his collection,” said coin expert Thierry Parsy in a statement previewing the sale.
“They were very polite, very modest people who lived in an ordinary house,” said Mayor Pierre Sicaud of Castillonnès, according to the New York Post. “Never would we have thought that.” The Narce siblings lived an unassuming life in their village home, a stone’s throw from the mairie, with the treasure hidden from the world.
What happened ater Narce passed away: what the notary handled
After Narce’s passed, the notary handling his estate learned from neighbors about his passion for coins. This prompted a detailed search of the house, leading to the achievement. “It could have remained undiscovered forever had the notary not heard of Narce’s hobby from local villagers,” said Parsy.
The discovery stunned authorities
This unexpected discovery—a treasure literally concealed behind a picture in a storage-room wall, and totally hidden—stunned authorities, as neighbours were not conscious about the extraordinary trove hiding in plain sight.
The Paris auction by Beaussant Lefèvre dramatically exceeded expectations, achieving a final sale price of about $3.8 million. The gold-franc lots, that valued separately at around $115,650 in first place, will be auctioned later. With no children or will specifying beneficiaries, the proceeds are slated to be distributed among Narce’s distant relatives.
The mayor of Castillonnès underlines the collection’s secrecy and the collectors’ discreet lifestyle, highlighting how an ordinary house concealed extraordinary wealth. “They were very polite, very modest people who lived in an ordinary house,” he explained.
