A remarkable collection of ancient gold coins, hidden within the walls of a French home, has stunned the auction world by selling for nearly £3 million. The historic coin stash, which dates back over two millennia, was unearthed in a house in southwest France and was sold by Beaussant Lefevre and Associates in Paris this week. The discovery, which had been unknown for years, surpassed all pre-auction expectations. The rare hoard’s final sale price was significantly higher than the expected €2 million, according to a report from GBNews. The collection’s value was largely driven by its exceptional age and historical significance.
A Lifetime of Collecting
The treasure trove, consisting of more than 1,000 pieces, was meticulously collected by Paul Narce, a man who devoted his entire life to amassing these historical artifacts. Narce, who passed away in 2024, spent his fortune on building an exceptional collection, even as he lived a modest life and remained largely out of the public eye. Coin expert Thierry Parsy described the collection as “exceptional both in number, with more than 1,000 pieces, as well as the rarities it contains.”
“Narce, who lived a modest life and didn’t see a lot of the world, spent all of his money on his collection,” Parsy said.
A Hidden Treasure
The coins, hidden away in a small cavity behind a painting in Narce’s former home in southwest France, were discovered by a notary who was searching through the abandoned house. The discovery of the hoard prevented what could have been a historical treasure left undiscovered forever.
As Parsy pointed out, the treasure “could have remained undiscovered forever,” highlighting the dramatic importance of the find.
The collection spans centuries, with pieces from the Kingdom of Macedonia dating as far back as 336-323 BC, during the reign of Alexander the Great. The collection also includes near-complete series of coins from the reigns of French monarchs Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, making it one of the most significant of its kind.
A Surprising Auction Success
The coins were sold by Beaussant Lefevre and Associates in Paris, with the final bid reaching over €3 million—well above the pre-auction estimate of €2 million. Remarkably, every single coin found a buyer, underscoring the immense value and interest in these rare historical pieces. Additionally, ten packages, each containing 172 gold 20-franc coins, were also uncovered, equaling a gold ingot. The auction’s success not only celebrates Narce’s lifelong passion for numismatics but also highlights the enduring allure of ancient treasures, now accessible to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
