Every US philatelist will be aware of the Washington-Franklin series of stamps. But did you know that the Bureau of engraving originally proposed the series to be the Washington-Franklin-Lincoln issue? After all, since 1866, Lincoln's portrait had continually graced the face of US stamps. However, when the issue was unveiled in 1908, there was, as we know now, no denomination with Lincoln's portrait on it. The absence of Lincoln caused an uproar in the House of Representatives, Senate, and with the wider general public. The Postmaster General was deluged with protests. Why not now?

The absence of Lincoln had to be corrected. The Bureau had completed the Washington-Franklins. Thus a Lincoln stamp would be a duplicate. As the 1oz letter rate at the time was 2¢, it was selected as the most widely visible use of his portrait. As it happens, the centenary of Lincoln's birth was to fall in the next year, 1909, so the commemorative issue was scheduled to be issued on his birthday, the 12th February 1909.

This imperforate issue was created for vending machine operators, it was also sold in full sheets at post office to supply the needs of philatelists.

The design vignette is an engraving of Saint Gauden's bust of Abraham Lincoln

A first day cover of #368, February 12th, 1909
Lincoln's birthday

#368 was issued with the following plate #'s

4976-79, 82-84