FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 10 centimes Merley, 2nd type, 18-sided polygonal blank, Frappe spéciale (SP) 1887, A, Paris. Av. 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. In the centre: 10 CENTIMES (workshop) and in the exergue (different) ESSAI (different). GEM.27.5 - Maz.2261 - VG.- (cf. 4055, LM signature); Nickel silver - 3.49 g - 22 mm - 6 h This is the second highest grade! PCGS SP66 (60810876). Special strike (SP). With 18-sided polygonal blank. Only a few finger marks. Light patina with bluish highlights. Almost corner flower.