Mauritius "Post Office" One Penny Red

Mauritius · 1847 · 1 Penny

This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, based on the 1840 Great Britain 'Penny Black'. The inscription reads "POST OFFICE" along the left panel, an alleged error later changed to "POST PAID". The denomination "ONE PENNY" is at the bottom.

Issued under British colonial rule, the Mauritius "Post Office" stamps were the first stamps issued in any British colony. They were printed locally in Port Louis for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife.