FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Test of 5 centimes Merley, 1st type, round flan, Frappe spéciale (SP) 1881, 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.12.1 - Maz.2257 - VG.3979 ; Nickel silver - 2.9 g - 20 mm - 6 h PCGS SP65 (60810878). Special strike (SP). Only a few finger marks browning the fields otherwise in mint condition. Corner flower.