FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 10 centimes Merley, 1st type, round flan, Frappe spéciale (SP) 1881, A, Paris. FRENCH REPUBLIC *. Crowned head of the Republic right, with string of pearls, 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: 10 CENTIMES (different) (workshop) (different) and in exergue *ESSAI*. GEM.27.1 - Maz.2256 - VG.3978 ; Nickel silver - 3.22 g - 22 mm - 6 h PCGS SP65 (60810874). Special strike (SP) with satiny relief. A tiny stain on the right otherwise in mint condition, with a light patina. Corner flower.