Mauritius 1d Orange-Red 'Post Office' Stamp

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d (One Penny)

This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The design is notable for its primitive quality and the inscription 'POST OFFICE' along the left panel, which was changed to 'POST PAID' on subsequent issues. The background consists of fine, regular lines, and the denomination 'ONE PENNY' is at the bottom.

Issued under British colonial rule, the 'Post Office' issue was Mauritius's first stamp, making it the first British colony to issue postage stamps. They were printed locally for a ball hosted by the Governor's wife and are among the most famous and sought-after stamps in the world.