Coin France 10 Francs Roland Garros - 1988

This 10 Francs commemorative coin was minted in France in 1988 to mark the centenary of the birth of Roland Garros (1888-1918), an emblematic figure of French aviation and a hero of the First World War.

The coin is made of a copper, aluminum and nickel alloy. It weighs 10 grams and has a diameter of 26 millimeters. The obverse of the coin features a bird's head in profile with outstretched wings, standing out against the outline of the Atlantic coast of France. The circular legend reads "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE", with the year 1988 and the face value "10F". The mintmarks are also present on this face.

The reverse of the coin depicts a Morane-Saulnier type N aircraft, a plane associated with the exploits of Roland Garros, as well as the bust of the aviator. The circular legend mentions "ROLAND GARROS 1888 - 1918". The engraver's signature, H. DUETTHE, appears under the aircraft. Roland Garros, a pioneer of aviation, is particularly known for having made the first crossing of the Mediterranean by plane on September 23, 1913.

The edge of the coin is engraved with the words "LIBERTE", "EGALITE" and "FRATERNITE", separated by symbols: a laurel branch, an olive branch and an ear of wheat, respectively. This coin pays tribute to a man who marked the history of aviation and also symbolizes French republican values.