A treasure trove of rare gold coins discovered hidden within the walls of a house in southern France has fetched a staggering $3.48 million at auction, in what experts are calling one of the most significant numismatic events in recent memory.
The coins, numbering more than a thousand, were part of a lifelong private collection amassed by the late Paul Nars, an 89-year-old resident of the Castellon region. Nars, who passed away last year, is believed to have spent decades quietly building his collection, unknown to even close acquaintances.
Following his death, the remarkable hoard was uncovered during renovation work on his property. The discovery quickly attracted the attention of numismatists and collectors around the world.
“This is the largest hoard I have seen sold in terms of both quantity and historical quality,” said Thierry Percy, a noted numismatic expert, in a statement released after the auction.
The sale, conducted by the auction house Bossin Lefebvre in Paris, drew significant international interest. According to the auction house, the collection featured a nearly complete set of gold coins issued during the reigns of French monarchs Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI.
Also included were extraordinarily rare ancient coins from the era of the Macedonian Empire, dating back to between 336 BC and 323 BC — the time of Alexander the Great.
Experts say the coins are not only of high monetary value, but also offer rich insight into the political and economic history of France and ancient Europe. Some coins fetched bids several times their estimated value, indicating strong demand for high-grade historical currency.
“The market for rare coins remains robust,” Percy noted. “Collectors and institutions alike see these as tangible pieces of history — each coin tells a story.”
The sale is expected to boost interest in private collections and hidden hoards, many of which remain undiscovered in Europe’s centuries-old buildings. Auctioneers say such finds are increasingly rare in the modern era, making the Nars hoard all the more significant.
French authorities have confirmed that the sale complied with national regulations, as the collection had been legally inherited by the late collector’s relatives.
