FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 5 centimes Merley, 1st type, with bundle and branch, round perforated blank 1905, A, Paris. FRENCH REPUBLIC. 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. Within a wreath formed of two oak branches: 5 CENTIMES (different) (workshop) (different) and in exergue *ESSAI*. GEM.12.6 - Maz.2276a - VG.4547; Nickel - 20 mm - 6 h Top Pop (2): this is the finest graded example! NGC MS 67 (3160182-007). On magnetic round blank, with central perforation. Very high technical grade. Corner flower.