Mauritius post office

The Mauritius Post Office stamps, issued in 1847, are among the rarest and most valuable in the world, with specimens fetching millions at auction.

About this subject

The Mauritius Post Office stamps are among the most iconic pieces in world philately. Issued in September 1847 by the British colony of Mauritius, they represent the first postage stamps ever issued outside Great Britain. The series consists of two denominations: a 1d orange-red and a 2d deep blue. Both feature the profile of Queen Victoria and the inscription "Post Office" (instead of the correct "Post Paid"), an error that rendered them legendary.

The story behind the error is attributed to jeweler Joseph Osmond Barnard, who was tasked with engraving the stamps. He allegedly based his work on a newspaper notice or miswritten instruction, resulting in the "Post Office" phrase. Only about 500 stamps of each denomination were printed, and very few survived. Today, only 26 known copies of the 1d and 12 of the 2d are believed to exist.

The Mauritius Post Office stamps are famous not only for their rarity but also for their fascinating history. In 1902, a collector found a letter bearing both stamps in an attic; the piece sold for $1.1 million in 1993. In 2021, a block of four stamps (two of each value) auctioned for $4.5 million, a record for Mauritius stamps.

Culturally, these stamps represent philatelic pride for Mauritius and symbolize the island's postal heritage. They have inspired books, documentaries, and even a commemorative stamp series in 1947, on the centenary of their issue. For collectors, owning a Mauritius Post Office stamp is the pinnacle of a collection, comparable to China's Peonies or Great Britain's Penny Black.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Mauritius Post Office stamps so valuable?

They are extremely rare (fewer than 40 known copies) and historically significant as the first stamps issued outside the UK, plus the famous "Post Office" error instead of "Post Paid".

How many Mauritius Post Office stamps exist?

An estimated 26 copies of the 1 penny and 12 copies of the 2 pence survive. Many are in museums or private collections.

What is the highest price paid for a Mauritius Post Office stamp?

In 2021, a block of four stamps sold for $4.5 million at auction, a record for Mauritius stamps.