The scan above doesn't do justice to the true color of this extremely rare essay. The incription is a bit clearer, and the light foxing isn't as pronounced as in the scan. Streaks and "hairs" in the paper are natural india paper imperfections.

The original design for the 90-cent stamp for 1869 featured a portrait of Washington -- the same one as was used on the 90-cent stamp of 1861. Originally intended to be printed in one color, the entire design was engraved on a single die. Changes made to this original design included printing it (and the three other high value stamps of the series) in two colors. This necessitated the creation of two separate dies -- one for the frame and one for the vignette. Click here to learn more about the development of the 90-cent stamp of 1869.