Mauritius 'Post Office' One Penny Red
Mauritius · 1847 · One Penny
This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The inscription reads 'POST OFFICE' along the left panel, an inscription that was changed to 'POST PAID' on subsequent issues, making this original version exceptionally rare. The design is considered primitive yet iconic, printed locally in Port Louis.
Issued in 1847 under British colonial rule, 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.
