Mauritius "Post Office" Two Pence Blue

Mauritius · 1847 · Two Pence

This iconic stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The inscription reads "POST OFFICE" along the left panel, an error that was corrected to "POST PAID" in subsequent printings, making these originals exceptionally rare. The design is simple, with the denomination "TWO PENCE" at the bottom.

Issued during the British colonial period, the "Post Office" stamps were among the first stamps issued by a British colony. They were printed locally in Port Louis for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife, Lady Gomm.