These classic French definitive stamps feature Marianne, the enduring symbol of the French Republic, depicted wearing a laurel wreath—representing liberty, reason, and civic virtue. Designed by Claude Béquet and engraved by Claude Durrens, the series was issued in 1971 and used widely throughout the 1970s. The denominations shown—0.30 F in green and 0.40 F in red—reflect the standard postal rates of the era. Known for their crisp line engraving and bold solid colors, the Béquet Mariannes are a favorite among collectors of modern French philately for their elegant representation of republican ideals.