FRANCE - FRANCE Third Republic (1870-1940). Merley 5 centime trial, 2nd type, 24-sided polygonal blank, Special Strike (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: 5 CENTIMES (workshop) and in the exergue (different) ESSAI (different). GEM.13.5 - Maz.- - VG.- ; Nickel silver - 2.44 g - 20 mm - 6 h Top Pop: the only graded example! PCGS SP66 (60810880). Special strike (SP). Very rare variety (three known examples?) with 24-sided polygonal blank. Only a few finger marks. Slight patina with bluish highlights. Almost corner flower.