FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 20 centimes Merley, 2nd type, with bundle and branch, 20-sided polygonal blank 1887, A, Paris. 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.50.4 - Maz.2259a - VG.4051; Maillechort - 24 mm - 6 h From the Carl F. Chirico collection, Bowers and Merena sale, 28 February to 1 March 2008. NNC MS-65 (1256344). A patina with golden highlights covers the fields. Only minimal handling marks. Superb at Fleur de coin.