France, Fifth Republic, light bronze Pattern Ten Francs, 1986, (unsigned) by Ian Rank-Broadley, REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE ROBERT SCHUMAN 1986, rev. LIBERTÉ EGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ, dove above denomination and open wreath of olive and wheat, 19.41g, 38mm. Uncirculated and apparently unpublished, of the highest rarity.

Provenance
Bought Stroud Auction Rooms, 11 June 2011, lot 2610 - “Ian Rank-Broadley Collection”.

The present lot, which we can confirm is the work of Ian Rank-Broadley, is a pattern of the highest rarity. In 1986 a competition was held to design a 10-Franc coin for the French Mint to commemorate Robert Schuman, one of the founders of the European Economic Community. Despite being one of our nation’s most accomplished engravers Rank-Broadley’s entry was not the ultimate winner but that prize did go to his compatriot John Lobban.