1938 James Monroe Set of 4-5 Cent US Postage Stamps New US# 845

U.S. #810 1938 5 James Monroe Presidential Series Issue Date: July 21, 1938 First City: Washington, DC Quantity Issued: 2,568,730,000 Printing Method: Rotary press Perforations: 11 x 10 ½ Color: Bright blue Known affectionately as the "Prexies," the 1938 Presidential series is a favorite among stamp collectors. The series was issued in response to public clamoring for a new Regular Issue series. The series that was current at the time had been in use for more than a decade. President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed, and a contest was staged. The public was asked to submit original designs for a new series picturing all deceased U.S. Presidents. Over 1,100 sketches were submitted, many from veteran stamp collectors. Elaine Rawlinson, who had little knowledge of stamps, won the contest and collected the $500 prize. Rawlinson was the first stamp designer since the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began producing U.S. stamps who was not a government employee.