The Prominent Americans Series recognizes people who played important roles in U.S. history. Officials originally planned to honor 18 individuals, but later added seven others. The Prominent Americans Series began with the 4¢ Lincoln stamp, which was issued on November 10, 1965. During the course of the series, the 6¢ Eisenhower stamp was reissued with an 8¢ denomination and the 5¢ Washington was redrawn. A number of technological changes developed during the course of producing the series, resulting in a number of varieties due to gum, luminescence, precancels and perforations plus sheet, coil and booklet formats. Additionally, seven rate changes occurred while the Prominent Americans Series was current, giving collectors who specialize in first and last day of issue covers an abundance of collecting opportunities. The 4¢ denomination features Abraham Lincoln as its subject. Born in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky, Lincoln (1809-65) was the first U.S. President born outside the original thirteen colonies. During his childhood, Lincoln’s family moved first to Indiana, then settled in Illinois. Lincoln was an avid reader with a quest for knowledge. Although he received less than 18 months of formal education, Lincoln’s self-education was extensive.