FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 20 centimes in nickel silver after Merley, 2nd type, 24-sided polygonal blank, Frappe spéciale (SP) 1887, A, Paris. Av. FRENCH REPUBLIC *. Crowned head of the Republic right, with pearl necklace, between a bundle and an olive branch; below rounded signature L. MERLEY and (date). Rv. LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ. In the centre: 20 CENTIMES (workshop) and in the exergue (different) ESSAI (different). GEM.50.2 - Maz.2259 - VG.4050 ; Nickel silver - 4.54 g - 24 mm - 6 h This is the second highest grade (2)! PCGS SP65 (60810869). Special strike (SP). Only finger marks burnish the fields, with a light patina with pinkish highlights. Corner flower.