Mauritius 'Post Office' Queen Victoria

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d / 2d

This issue features the first two postage stamps of Mauritius, known as the 'Post Office' issue. The design, engraved locally by Joseph Barnard, features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria. Due to an error, the stamps were inscribed with 'Post Office' instead of the intended 'Post Paid', adding to their fame.

Issued in 1847, these were the first stamps produced in any British colony, following Great Britain's Penny Black by only seven years. They were created for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife, Lady Gomm.