FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 25 centimes Merley, 2nd type, round flan 1902, A, Paris. Av. RÉPUBLIQUE * FRANÇAISE. 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: 25 CENTIMES (workshop) and in the exergue (different) ESSAI (different). GEM.59.2 - Maz.2270 v. (nickel silver) - VG.4452 v. (nickel silver); Nickel - 24 mm - 6 h Top Pop: this is the only graded example at NGC! From the Carl F. Chirico collection, Bowers and Merena sale, 28 February to 1 March 2008. NGC MS 63 (3075705-015). On a round blank, magnetic. With a light patina, the fields barely soiled. Superb at Fleur de coin.