Mauritius 'Post Office' Issue

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d Red / 2d Blue

This issue features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The design is considered primitive, with the inscription 'POST OFFICE' along the left panel, which was famously changed to 'POST PAID' on subsequent printings. The stamps were issued in two denominations: a one penny orange-red and a two pence deep blue.

Issued under British colonial rule, these were the first stamps issued in any British colony. They are among the most famous and sought-after stamps in the world due to their rarity and the 'Post Office' inscription, which was long thought to be an error.