Mauritius post office

The Mauritius Post Office stamps of 1847 are among the most famous and valuable stamps in the world, a landmark in global philately.

About this subject

The stamps issued by the Mauritius Post Office in 1847 are known as "Post Office" stamps due to the inscription they bear, considered a printing error. After the success of the British Penny Black, the colony decided to issue its first stamps. Two values were printed: the 1-penny in orange-red and the 2-pence in deep blue. Each stamp features the profile of Queen Victoria, but the intended inscription was "Post Paid". However, local engravers Joseph Osmond Barnard and his son engraved "Post Office" instead. This variation made the stamps extremely rare and coveted.

Of the approximately 500 copies issued, only 26 of the 1d and 12 of the 2d are known to survive today. The rarity stems from a short period of use and the fragility of the paper. One 2d stamp, known as the "Bordeaux Cover", sold for over 3 million euros in 2014. A famous discovery occurred in 1902 when a collector found several specimens in a drawer of a house in Bordeaux, France.

The stamps are a symbol of philatelic prestige and represent the beginning of modern postal communication in Mauritius. The island, in the Indian Ocean, was an important British trading post. The accidental typographical error elevated these stamps to legendary status. They are often cited as one of the world's first philatelic errors, inspiring generations of collectors.

Today, the Mauritius Post Office stamps are housed in museums and private collections, such as the British Postal Museum and the British Royal Collection. Their story is full of mysteries, including uncertainty about how many were actually produced and how many remain in reasonable condition. The 2d blue stamp, in particular, is considered one of the "most expensive stamps in the world".

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Mauritius Post Office stamps so rare?

Due to the printing error "Post Office" instead of "Post Paid" and the short period of use. Only 26 copies of the 1d and 12 of the 2d are known to survive.

How much is a Mauritius Post Office stamp worth?

At recent auctions, examples have exceeded 3 million euros. The value depends on condition and provenance.

What is the story of the Bordeaux Cover?

It is an envelope bearing a 2d blue stamp, discovered in 1902 in Bordeaux, France. It sold for 3.1 million euros in 2014.