Mauritius "Post Office" 1d Red and 2d Blue

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d (One Penny) and 2d (Two Pence)

This issue features the profile of Queen Victoria and is famous for its inscription "Post Office" instead of the later "Post Paid". The 1d was printed in orange-red and the 2d in deep blue. They were locally produced by Joseph Osmond Barnard and are considered among the most iconic and sought-after stamps in the world.

Issued under British colonial rule, these were the first stamps issued in any British colony. They were commissioned by the wife of the Governor of Mauritius for invitations to a ball, leading to their extreme scarcity.