Mauritius 'Post Office' Two Pence Blue

Mauritius · 1847 · Two Pence

This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, based on the 1838 'City' medal by William Wyon. The inscription reads 'POST OFFICE' along the left panel, a feature changed to 'POST PAID' on subsequent issues, making these originals exceptionally rare. The design was engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard on a small copper plate.

Issued in 1847, the 'Post Office' stamps were the first British colonial stamps, commissioned by the Governor's wife for invitations to a ball. Their extreme rarity and iconic status make them among the most famous and valuable stamps in the world.