Mauritius 'Post Office' 2d Blue

Mauritius · 1847 · 2d (Two Pence)

This iconic stamp, printed in deep blue, features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria. The inscription reads 'POST OFFICE' along the left panel, an inscription that was changed to 'POST PAID' on subsequent issues, making this version exceptionally rare. The stamp was locally engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard and printed one at a time.

Issued under British colonial rule, the 'Post Office' stamps were the first stamps issued in any British colony. They were created for use on invitations to a Government House ball hosted by the Governor's wife, Lady Gomm.