Issued by the République Française in 1970, this 0.40 franc commemorative stamp celebrates the 43rd Congress of the French Philatelic Federation (Fédération des Sociétés Philatéliques Françaises), held in Lens. Designed by J. Combet, the stamp features a striking red engraving depicting symbols of Lens’ mining heritage and its coat of arms — a castle tower flanked by fleur-de-lis — alongside mining headframes and industrial motifs. The design honors both the host city’s industrial character and the thriving philatelic community of France.