Mauritius 'Post Paid' 1d Orange and 2d Blue

Mauritius · 1847 · 1d Orange & 2d Blue

This issue features the profile of Queen Victoria, facing left, surrounded by the inscription 'POST OFFICE' and 'MAURITIUS'. The set consists of two values: a one penny (1d) printed in orange-red and a two pence (2d) printed in deep blue. These were the first stamps issued in any British colony.

Issued under British colonial rule, these stamps were intended for local postage, particularly for invitations to a ball hosted by the Governor's wife, Lady Gomm. The engraver, Joseph Barnard, mistakenly inscribed 'POST OFFICE' instead of the intended 'POST PAID'.