Mauritius "Post Office" Issue, 1d Orange-Red
Mauritius · 1847 · 1d (One Penny)
This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, based on the 1838 'City' medal by William Wyon. The design is framed by text reading "POSTAGE" at the top and "ONE PENNY" at the bottom. Famously, the left panel contains the inscription "POST OFFICE" instead of the intended "POST PAID", an error that makes these stamps legendary.
Issued in 1847 under British colonial rule, the Mauritius "Post Office" stamps were the first stamps issued in any British colony. They were printed locally by Joseph Osmond Barnard for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife.
Printing Method
Engraved
Catalog Numbers
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View on Wikimedia CommonsEstimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
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