Mauritius post office

The 1847 'Post Office' stamps of Mauritius are among the rarest and most valuable in the world, icons of postal history and philately.

About this subject

In 1847, the British colony of Mauritius issued its first postage stamps, a series of two denominations: a one-penny red and a two-pence blue. Engraved by Joseph Barnard, a local watchmaker, the stamps bore the effigy of Queen Victoria and the inscription 'Post Office' (instead of the correct 'Post Paid'), an error that made them legendary. Only a few copies survived, making them highly coveted by collectors.

The 'Post Office' stamps of Mauritius are renowned for their rarity and fascinating stories. The most famous example, the 'Blue Mauritius', was discovered in 1864 by a young collector in Bordeaux. Since then, the stamps have achieved record auction prices, reaching millions of dollars. There are estimated to be only 27 known copies of the blue and 14 of the red, mostly in museums or private collections.

The cultural significance of these stamps extends beyond philately. They are symbols of the early postal service in Mauritius and the British Empire. The 'Post Office' error spawned myths, such as the story that the governor's wife used the stamps on invitations to a ball. Though poorly documented, this narrative further popularized the stamps. In 2011, a cover with both the blue and red stamps sold for over 4 million euros, reinforcing their status as philatelic treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the 'Post Office' stamps of Mauritius so valuable?

They are extremely rare, with few surviving copies, and feature a historical inscription error. Their story involves fascinating discoveries and record-breaking auctions, making them highly sought after by collectors.

How many 'Post Office' Mauritius stamps exist today?

There are an estimated 27 copies of the two-pence blue stamp and 14 of the one-penny red. Most are held in museums or private collections.

What is the story behind the 'Post Office' error on Mauritius stamps?

Engraver Joseph Barnard mistakenly inscribed 'Post Office' instead of 'Post Paid'. The error was only noticed after some stamps had been sold, making the few surviving specimens even rarer.