Identifying #57
The little leaf-like ornaments at the corners are absent in the first design issue. They were probably added to give the stamp a more squarish appearance.

The paper of the premier gravures is very thin, hard, and extremely brittle. The stamps are easily cracked unless handled very carefully. The paper is also quite transparent, and many of the designs can be seen on the backs of the stamps.

The gum is very dark brown, sometimes staining the paper.

The colors are very dark and rich, and the ink is heavily applied, occasionally giving a blurred appearance, though as a rule the impressions are very fine and clear.

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. It is considered to be an essay by many, including Scotts which has reclassified it as #67-E9e.