FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 25 centimes Merley, 2nd type, round flan 1903, 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.59.3 - Maz.2274 - VG.4483; Nickel - 24 mm - 6 h Top Pop: this is the only graded specimen at NGC! From the Carl F. Chirico collection, Bowers and Merena sale, 28 February to 1 March 2008. NGC MS 62 (3210597-016). On round, magnetic blank. Special strike with satin-finish reliefs, brilliant fields. Superb at Fleur de coin.