Mauritius Post Office, 2 Pence Blue
Mauritius · 1847 · 2 Pence
This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The design is simple, with the words 'POST OFFICE' inscribed on the left panel, 'MAURITIUS' on the right, 'TWO PENCE' at the bottom, and 'POSTAGE' at the top. The deep blue color and primitive engraving style are characteristic of this very early colonial issue.
Issued in 1847, the 'Post Office' issue was the first stamp series produced in the British Empire outside of Great Britain. The stamps were printed locally in Port Louis for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife, Lady Gomm.
Printing Method
Engraved
Catalog Numbers
Image: · License:
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
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.