Mauritius post office

The Mauritius "Post Office" stamps, issued in 1847, are among the rarest and most valuable in world philately.

About this subject

The Mauritius "Post Office" stamps were the first issued by a British colony outside the United Kingdom. In September 1847, the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean released two denominations: a one-penny in orange-red and a two-pence in blue. The printing was done by Joseph Osmond Barnard, a watchmaker who engraved the plates by hand. Due to an error, the inscription "Post Office" was used instead of "Post Paid," which would appear in later issues. This mistake made the series legendary among collectors.

The original print run is unknown, but it is estimated that only 26 to 27 copies have survived to this day. There are used and unused copies, with unused ones being extremely rare. In 2021, an unused pair of the one-penny and two-pence stamps sold for $8.3 million at auction, setting a record for philately. The famous "Bordeaux Cover," a sealed envelope bearing both stamps and mailed in 1847, is considered the most valuable piece in philately, valued at over $10 million.

Culturally, the Mauritius "Post Office" stamps symbolize the beginning of postal communication in colonies and the fascinating story of philatelic errors. They are studied and admired, appearing in museums such as the National Postal Museum in the U.S. and the Philately Museum of Brazil. The rarity and simple beauty of the designs, featuring the effigy of Queen Victoria, continue to inspire collectors and historians.

Interestingly, Mauritius was also the first country to issue stamps in the Southern Hemisphere, and the "Post Office" series influenced later issues from other colonies. The search for new specimens still mobilizes philatelic treasure hunters, and the authenticity of each piece is verified by experts worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Mauritius 'Post Office' stamps?

The stamps were issued in September 1847 by the British colony of Mauritius, the first from a colony outside the United Kingdom. They were engraved by watchmaker Joseph Osmond Barnard.

Why are these stamps so valuable?

They are extremely rare (only 26-27 known copies) and feature the 'Post Office' error instead of 'Post Paid'. In 2021, an unused pair sold for $8.3 million.

How many copies of the 'Post Office' stamps still exist?

It is estimated that between 26 and 27 copies exist, including used and unused ones. The 'Bordeaux Cover' is the only known envelope bearing both stamps.