Mauritius "Post Office" 1d Red

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d (One Penny)

This stamp, one of the first two issued by the British colony of Mauritius, features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria. The inscription reads "POST OFFICE" along the left panel, an error that was corrected to "POST PAID" on subsequent issues, making these originals exceptionally rare. The design was locally engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard.

Issued in 1847 for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife, the Mauritius "Post Office" stamps are among the most famous and valuable philatelic items in the world. They were the first stamps issued by any British colony.