Mauritius post office

Discover the Mauritius post office, a landmark in world philately for issuing the famous 1847 "Post Office" stamps.

About this subject

The main post office of Mauritius, located in Port Louis, is one of the most iconic addresses for philatelists worldwide. It was there that, in 1847, the British colony issued the first postage stamps in the Southern Hemisphere, now known as the famous "Post Office" Mauritius stamps. The original set included two denominations: a one-penny orange-red and a two-pence blue, both bearing the profile of Queen Victoria and the inscription "Post Office", a printing error that became the hallmark of the issue.

These stamps are among the rarest and most valuable in global philately. In 2023, a single one-penny stamp sold at auction for over €8 million, cementing Mauritius's reputation as a haven for collectors. The story of the issue is shrouded in mystery: only about 500 stamps of each value are believed to have been printed, and many were destroyed or lost over time. Fewer than 30 specimens survive today, most in museums and private collections.

The post office building in Port Louis, built in colonial style, has undergone renovations over the centuries but retains its historic charm. The agency still operates on site, serving locals and tourists. For stamp enthusiasts, visiting the location is a pilgrimage; the building also houses a small philatelic museum displaying replicas and historical documents related to the 1847 issue.

Mauritius's influence on philately extends beyond the "Post Office" stamps. The country has also issued thematic series on its fauna and flora, such as the extinct dodo, and cultural celebrations, keeping the tradition of stamp collecting alive. The relevance of these stamps to postal history is so great that they appear on lists of "world's most famous stamps" alongside Britain's Penny Black and British Guiana's 1856 issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

They are extremely rare: only about 500 stamps of each value were printed in 1847, and fewer than 30 survive today. The 'Post Office' error instead of 'Post Paid' and their historical significance as the first stamps in the Southern Hemisphere drive their value.

Where can I see the original Mauritius stamps?

Most are in museums, such as the Mauritius Postal Museum in Port Louis, the British Museum in London, and the Royal Philatelic Collection. They rarely appear at auctions.

Does the Mauritius post office still issue stamps today?

Yes, Mauritius Post regularly issues stamps on topics from natural history to cultural events. You can buy new stamps at post offices or through the official website.