This is the discovery copy of the "Missing Wedge" variety of the 90c 1869 issue. The vignette of Lincoln, being significantly shifted downwards, reveals a blank, wedge-shaped area in the carmine shading lines (seen below the "E" in "POSTAGE").

This india proof is from position #7 of the plate. The two telltale marks of a stamp from this position are the "dash" to the right of the gothic "S", and the missing wedge of lines. This proof was the subject of the cover story in the March/April 1998 issue of the Collectors Club Philatelist, The 90c 1869 Issue: A Treasure Trove of Philatelic Discovery.

This article is available online in our "Articles & Research" section.