I have an Essai de Frappe (striking trial) from the Monnaie de Paris for a Silver 50 Franc piece, dated 1975. Diameter is 41 mm and weight 30,0 gram. The metal is silver. The edge (not photographed) is the same as on the normal pieces. These specifications are identical to the normal piece. The piece does show some scratches and nicks and a small discoloration, it looks like it has been in circulation. In my Gadoury (monnaies Francaises 1789 - 1989) essais are listed for 1974 (13,800 pieces) but not for 1975 which is the fist year of issue (4,2 M pieces). I assume the essais with date 1974 are identical those of 1975, except for the year, but with the word essai in small letters. My specimen probably is some kind of test piece for testing the minting equipment but I could not find any information about it. Nor could I find another example listed anywhere. I do not have the recent Gadoury catalog by M. TAILLARD - M. ARNAUD, ESSAIS MONÉTAIRES & PIÉFORTS FRANÇAIS 1870-2001-ED. 2014 and have not yet been able to consult it.
Any information about this "essai de frappe" will be appreciated!