FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 20 centimes Merley, 2nd type, without bundle or branch, polygonal blank with 20 sides 1887, A, Paris. FRENCH REPUBLIC *. Crowned head of the Republic right, with string of pearls; below rounded signature L. M and (date). Rv. LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ. In the centre: 20 CENTIMES (workshop) and in the exergue (different) ESSAI (different). GEM.50.6 - Maz.2258a - VG.4052; nickel silver - 23.5 mm - 6 h Top Pop (4): this is the finest graded example! From a Heritage 3019 sale, 30 April 2012, No. 26962. NGC MS 66 (3160167-001). Special strike with satin-finish relief. Corner flower.