FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 20 centimes Merley, 2nd type, with bundle and branch, in bronze, round blank 1902, A, Paris. FRENCH REPUBLIC. 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 - (cf. 50.20, nickel) - Maz - (cf. 2271, nickel) - VG - (cf. 4453, nickel); Bronze - 24 mm - 6 h From the Carl F. Chirico collection, Bowers and Merena sale, 28 February to 1 March 2008. NNC MS-65 RB (1256342). Appears to be unlisted for this vintage in this metal! With a brown patina forming and remnants of the original red colour. Superb to Fleur de coin.