Mauritius 'Post Paid' 2d Blue, First Issue

Mauritius · 1848 · 2d

This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The inscription reads 'POST PAID' at the left, distinguishing it from the legendary 'Post Office' issue. The design is simple, with the denomination 'TWO PENCE' at the bottom and 'MAURITIUS' at the right.

Issued one year after the famous 'Post Office' stamps, the 'Post Paid' series was the first general issue for the British colony of Mauritius. These stamps are among the most sought-after and iconic issues in all of British Commonwealth philately.