Mauritius post office

The Mauritius Post Office stamps of 1847 are among the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world, with only 27 known copies.

About this subject

The Mauritius Post Office stamps were the first stamps issued by the British colony of Mauritius in September 1847. They feature a portrait of Queen Victoria and were printed in two denominations: one penny in orange-red and two pence in deep blue. The word "Post Office" appears on the left side, but in a later printing the inscription was changed to "Post Paid", making the first issue extremely rare.

The history of these stamps is marked by an engraving error: the engraver Joseph Barnard, who had never seen the queen in person, based his work on a profile portrait from a coin. Additionally, the words "penny" and "pence" were abbreviated as "pen" and "pence", which is unusual. It is believed that only 500 stamps of each value were issued, and many were used on local mail and subsequently destroyed.

Today, only 27 copies are known (13 of the one penny and 14 of the two pence). A used two pence blue stamp sold for over 4 million dollars in 2011, making it one of the most expensive stamps ever sold at auction. The rarity and historical fascination make these stamps highly sought after by collectors and museums, such as the British Postal Museum and the Royal Dutch Library.

The name "Post Office" also refers to the post office building in Mauritius, now a tourist attraction in Port Louis, but the fame of these stamps transcends the physical location, marking a milestone in philatelic history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous stamp from Mauritius?

The most famous stamp is the "Mauritius Post Office" of 1847, known for the inscription "Post Office" and for being one of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world.

How many Mauritius Post Office stamps exist?

Only 27 known copies exist: 13 of the one penny and 14 of the two pence.

Why is the Mauritius Post Office stamp so valuable?

It is valuable due to its extreme rarity, the engraving error (inscription "Post Office" instead of "Post Paid"), and historical significance as one of the first stamps issued by a British colony.