FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 20 centimes in nickel silver after Merley, 2nd type, 16-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 - (cf. 50.4, 20 pans) - Maz.2259b - VG.4053 ; Maillechort - 4,64 g - 24 mm - 6 h Top Pop: the only graded example! PCGS SP66 (60810870). Special strike (SP). With full signature and 16-sided blank (missing Gadoury, monetary tests). In mint condition, with slight patina. Almost corner flower.