FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 20 centimes Merley, 2nd type, with bundle and branch, round flan 1898, A, Paris. Av. RÉPUBLIQUE * FRANÇAISE. In a bowl, crowned head of the Republic on the right, with pearl necklace, between a bundle and an olive branch; below rounded signature L. MERLEY and in the exergue (date). Rv. LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ. In the centre: 20 CENTIMES (workshop) and in the exergue (different) ESSAI (different). GEM.50.16 - Maz.2268 - VG.4339; Nickel silver - 25 mm - 6 h Top Pop: this is the only graded copy! From the Carl F. Chirico collection, Bowers and Merena sale, 28 February to 1 March 2008. NGC MS 64 (3075714-013). Special strike with satin-finish relief. In high relief, with the bowl on the right well marked. Minor stains on reverse. Almost corner flower.