On December 27, 1980, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Great Americans Series, which would go on to become the longest-running US definitive series. The Great Americans Series was created to replace the Americana Series, which had begun in 1975. The new series would be characterized by a standard definitive size, simple design, and monochromatic colors. This simple design included a portrait, “USA,” the denomination, the person’s name, and in some cases, their occupation or reason for recognition. The first stamp in the new series was issued on December 27, 1980. It honored Sequoyah and was issued in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The stamp fulfilled the new international postcard rate that would go into effect in January 1981.