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A remarkable accumulation of rare gold coins, nearly consigned to obscurity after the demise of its owner, has garnered approximately $4 million at a recent auction. This extensive assemblage highlights the importance of numismatics and the enduring value of collectible currency.
Unveiling a Hidden Fortune in Rare Gold Coins
The gilded hoard was accumulated over a lifetime by Paul Narce, a numismatist residing in Castillonnès, France, until his passing last year at the age of 89, according to The Times of London.
Coin specialist Thierry Parsy remarked in a statement prior to the sale, as reported by CNN, “I have never encountered such a substantial collection being offered for sale, considering both its volume and exceptional quality.”
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Parsy observed, “Narce, who maintained a simple lifestyle and had limited travel experience, allocated all his funds to his collection.”
The Meticulously Assembled Collection of Ancient Gold Coins
His valuable acquisitions were carefully cataloged; the inventory reportedly encompassed over a thousand pieces, some tracing back centuries. Such collections showcase the rich history embedded within ancient gold coins.
- Pieces from the Kingdom of Macedonia, dating from 336-323 BC.
- Nearly complete sets of coins circulated during the reigns of French Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI.
- Some coins minted shortly before Louis XVI’s execution by guillotine in 1793.
Parsy noted that Narce demonstrably “knew precisely what he was acquiring,” which appeared atypical given his lack of public recognition.
The coin expert further suggested that the treasure trove “could have remained hidden indefinitely” if the notary overseeing the deceased’s estate had not learned about Narce’s unique avocation from local residents.
Discovery Behind the Wall
The elderly collector, having no descendants or successors, had relocated to a nursing facility following the death of his sister, Claudette, with whom he jointly curated the coin collection, the preceding year.
Alongside the previously mentioned collection, they unearthed “masterpieces of Gothic art” and ten fabric pouches, each containing 172 “Napoléons” (golden 20 franc coins) — effectively an ingot of gold.
Following an exhaustive examination of the premises, the notary eventually located the treasure chest concealed behind a picture in a storage room. It was, in essence, obscured “behind just another brick in the wall.”
Auction Details and Legacy of the Gold Coin Collection
The coin compilation was auctioned for an impressive $3.8 million, substantially surpassing the pre-auction valuation of approximately $2.3 million. The allure of rare gold coins continues to captivate collectors worldwide.
Meanwhile, the francs, appraised at approximately $115,650, will be sold at a separate auction.
Reportedly, the proceeds will be distributed among Narce’s distant relatives.
Pierre Sicaud, the mayor of Castillonnès, expressed disbelief that the senior citizen and his sister had accumulated such an extraordinary collection discreetly.
“They were very courteous, exceptionally modest individuals who resided in an unpretentious residence,” he stated.