Mauritius post office

Mauritius post office is renowned for its legendary 1847 stamps featuring the 'Post Office' error, some of the rarest in philately.

About this subject

The philatelic history of Mauritius began in 1847 when the British colony issued its first postage stamps. Two denominations were produced: a one-penny orange-red and a two-pence blue, both engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The curious printing error "Post Office" instead of "Post Paid" turned these stamps into legends. Only a few dozen survived, and well-preserved specimens fetch millions of dollars at auction. The two-pence blue of 1847, known as the "Blue Mauritius", is among the most coveted items in world philately.

The aerial drone shot likely shows the current central post office of Mauritius, located in Port Louis, the capital. The historic building, constructed in the 18th century and renovated, houses the postal museum where replicas and the history of these stamps are displayed. The world's first stamp, Britain's Penny Black, inspired the Mauritian issue, which became the first outside Europe and the Americas.

Beyond their financial value, the Mauritius "Post Office" stamps are symbols of the Victorian era and the dawn of modern postal systems. They were used for letters sent by settlers and officials, and their survival is due to 19th-century collectors. The rarity has spawned forgeries, but experts identify authentic traits such as color and paper type. The 1848 issue corrected the error to "Post Paid", making the earlier version even more precious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Mauritius 'Post Office' stamps so rare?

They were issued in a small print run in 1847 and used on mail; most were destroyed. Only about 30 examples are known, few in good condition.

How much is a Mauritius 'Post Office' stamp worth?

At auction, individual stamps can exceed US$5 million. The record for a complete cover with both stamps was over US$12 million.

Where can I see these stamps in person?

Originals are held at the Mauritius Postal Museum, the British Library, and the Royal Mail Museum in London. Replicas are displayed in Port Louis.