Identifying #59
This issue differs from the original in the shade of black, being a greenish black color. There are no ornaments in the corners, as shown above. The paper is harder and much more white and highly finished in appearance.
The paper of the premieres gravures is very thin hard and extremely brittle. The stamps are easily cracked unless handled very carefully. The paper is also quite transparent and much of the designs may be seen from the backs of the stamps.
The gum is very dark brown sometimes staining the paper.
The Story Behind the Stamp
Often called the "Premiere Gravures" or "August Issues. Most philatelists now classify Scott #55–#62 as trial printings or samples (essays) rather than regularly issued stamps.
This stamp was not issued, it was produced as a sample for the Post Office Department. It probably reached collectors via postal officials. Some examples have the word 'New' in manuscript across the face, possibly to indicate that this was a new design. It is considered to be an essay by many, including Scotts which has reclassified it as #69-E6e.
