Mauritius 1859 2d Blue "Lapirot" Issue

Mauritius · 1859 · 2d

This stamp features a seated figure of Britannia, a personification of Great Britain, holding a spear and shield. The design was crudely engraved by Jules Lapirot directly onto a copper plate, resulting in a primitive but charming appearance. The inscription reads "MAURITIUS" at the top and "TWO PENCE" at the bottom.

Known as the "Lapirot" issue, these were the first locally-produced stamps in Mauritius since the legendary "Post Office" issue of 1847. They replaced the lithographed Britannia stamps printed in London and are famous for their primitive engraving.