Mauritius "Post Office" 2d Blue
Mauritius · 1847 · 2d (Two Pence)
This stamp, known as the 'Blue Penny', features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria. It was one of the first two stamps issued by the British colony of Mauritius and is famous for its primitive, locally engraved design by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The inscription reads 'POST OFFICE' along the left panel, which was changed to 'POST PAID' on subsequent issues.
Issued in 1847, the Mauritius "Post Office" stamps were the first stamps issued in any British colony. They were created 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.