Mauritius 'Post Office' 2d Blue

Mauritius · 1847 · 2d (Two Pence)

This stamp features a left-facing profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Joseph Osmond Barnard. The design is simple, with the words 'POSTAGE' at the top and 'TWO PENCE' at the bottom. Notably, the left panel reads 'POST OFFICE' instead of the intended 'POST PAID', an error that makes these initial issues exceptionally famous.

Issued in 1847 under British colonial rule, the Mauritius 'Post Office' stamps were the first stamps issued in any British colony. They were created for use on invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife, Lady Gomm.