Issued by France in 1980, this striking 1.40 franc commemorative honors General Charles de Gaulle, marking the 40th anniversary of his historic 1940 Appeal of 18 June and the 10th anniversary of his death in 1970. The design features a bold black background with abstract golden linework evoking wartime radio transmissions. A stylized portrait silhouette is accented in the colors of the French Tricolour, symbolizing resistance and national revival. The Cross of Lorraine, emblem of Free France, appears prominently on the left, reinforcing its strong WWII thematic significance. A beautifully modern design, highly sought after for France-WWII, leadership, and national history collections.