In the peaceful village of Castillonnès, tucked away in southwestern France, an extraordinary discovery was made in 2024. After the death of 89-year-old Paul Narce, a lifelong coin collector, a notary was sent to examine his modest home.
Locals often spoke in hushed tones about Narce’s coin collection, a passion he had shared with his late sister, Claudette. During the search, the notary stumbled upon a concealed chest hidden behind a painting in a cluttered room filled with fishing rods and gardening supplies. Inside, over 1,000 gold coins were found—an astonishing treasure that sold at a Paris auction this week for $3.3 million.
A Collection Spanning Centuries
The treasure trove unearthed in Narce’s home was like opening a window into the past. The collection featured coins from ancient Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and many chapters of French history, stretching all the way to the 19th century. One of the most remarkable coins found was a rare piece from the reign of Louis XVI, dating between 1774 and 1793, each estimated to be worth between $2,700 and $3,800.
The chest also contained ten pouches filled with 172 “Napoléons,” the iconic French 20-franc gold coins. Despite living a quiet, isolated life with a disability, Narce had meticulously labeled each coin, reflecting his dedication and knowledge. Experts in the field were stunned, not just by the monetary value, but also by the size and rarity of the collection—especially since Narce had never been known in collector circles.
| 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 led a simple life, having no children or close relatives. After his sister passed away, he eventually moved into a care facility, leaving the house untouched. Few people were aware of his deep interest in coins, and even fewer knew he had hidden them.
The notary’s search was nearly fruitless—until he removed the old painting and discovered the hidden chest. Had he not been thorough, the coins might have remained lost for decades. This story is a striking reminder that incredible valuables can lie unnoticed in the most unexpected places, just waiting to be discovered.
France’s History of Hidden Gold
France has developed a reputation for surprising gold discoveries in ordinary settings. In 2016, a man from Normandy stumbled upon a hidden cache of gold bars and coins valued at $3.5 million, found beneath furniture and in a bathroom.
In 2019, construction workers in Brittany came across 239 rare gold coins from the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Yet another case occurred in 2021 in the town of Morez, where a stash containing $650,000 worth of gold was revealed. These findings have added to the country’s allure as a place where forgotten fortunes still rest in old homes and corners of history.
What’s Next for the Treasure?
Following the discovery, the coins went up for auction in Paris and attracted buyers from across the globe. Numismatists and historians will now analyze the collection to gain further insight into the techniques and artistry of ancient and French coin production.
Since Paul Narce left no direct heirs, the proceeds from the auction will be directed to his estate, as determined by French law. This extraordinary find has reignited interest in old properties and the secrets they may hold. It’s a powerful prompt for others to take a second look at attics, basements, or even paintings hanging on the wall.
A Legacy in Gold
The discovery of Paul Narce’s $3.3 million gold coin collection is far more than just a tale of wealth—it is a living fragment of history. Each coin holds a story, from the glory of ancient civilizations to the elegance of French royalty.
Narce’s quiet pastime has unexpectedly turned his once-unknown village into a point of international interest. As collectors around the world celebrate their new acquisitions, this find serves as a moving reminder that history sometimes hides in plain sight—within the walls, behind the paintings, or beneath the dust of forgotten rooms.
