Mauritius Post Office Value Guide
Complete price guide for the Mauritius 'Post Office' - Colonial Island Rarity (1847). Current market value, investment potential, and expert identification tips for this extremely rare Mauritius treasure.
About the Mauritius Post Office
The Mauritius 'Post Office' - Colonial Island Rarity is one of the most extremely rare and valuable stamps in philatelic history. Issued by Mauritius in 1847, this remarkable stamp has achieved legendary status among collectors worldwide, with a current market value of $1.6 million.
The Mauritius 'Post Office' stamps are among the world's rarest, featuring the famous inscription error 'Post Office' instead of 'Post Paid' on these early colonial issues.
The historical significance and extreme rarity of the Mauritius Post Office make it a cornerstone piece for serious collectors. Its excellent investment potential reflects both its cultural importance and the sustained demand from collectors and investors worldwide.
Current Market Value Analysis
Market values for the Mauritius Post Office vary significantly based on condition, provenance, and certification. The premium for mint never-hinged examples reflects the extreme rarity of specimens that have survived in perfect condition since 1847.
Recent auction results show rising trends, with Strong appreciation driven by rarity and historical significance, with premium examples setting regular records.. Professional certification from recognized grading services is essential for stamps valued above $10,000.
Investment Potential & Market Outlook
Investment Grade: Excellent
Based on historical performance and market demand
The Mauritius Post Office represents excellent investment potential within the philatelic market. Consistent upward trajectory from thousands in early 20th century to millions today. The market outlook for this stamp is continued strong performance expected, with examples rarely appearing at auction creating competitive bidding..
Key factors supporting the investment case include: Extreme rarity - only 27 examples known, Famous inscription error creates mystique, Condition varies due to postal usage, Historical significance as colonial emergency issue, Provenance through major collections important, Authentication crucial due to attempted reproductions. However, investors should be aware that the philatelic market can be illiquid, and values may fluctuate based on collector sentiment and economic conditions.
Investment Disclaimer: Stamp collecting should be approached primarily as a hobby. While certain stamps have shown strong historical appreciation, past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult with philatelic experts before making significant investments.
How to Identify the Mauritius Post Office
Profile of Queen Victoria facing left
Inscription 'Post Office' (error for 'Post Paid')
Mauritius colony name
Local engraving quality varies
Most examples show wear from postal use
Extremely limited surviving population
Authenticating the Mauritius Post Office requires expert knowledge and careful examination of multiple factors. Given its extreme value, professional authentication is absolutely essential before any purchase or sale.
Modern technology like StampSnap's recognition app can provide initial identification assistance, but for stamps of this caliber, consultation with certified philatelic experts and professional grading services is strongly recommended.
Historical Significance
The Mauritius Post Office holds a unique place in postal history. In September 1847, the wife of Mauritius Governor Sir William Gomm wanted stamps for invitations to a fancy ball. Local engraver Joseph Osmond Barnard created stamps but mistakenly inscribed 'Post Office' instead of 'Post Paid'. Only 500 of each denomination were printed, and most were used on ball invitations. Today, only 27 examples survive (14 of the 1d orange-red, 12 of the 2d deep blue, and 1 unused 1d), making them extraordinarily rare.Its creation in 1847 makes it not just a collectible item but a genuine historical artifact.
The circumstances surrounding its issue have become legendary in philatelic circles. This combination of rarity, historical importance, and compelling backstory contributes significantly to its exceptional market value.
Today, the Mauritius Post Office is recognized not only by stamp collectors but also by museums and cultural institutions as an important artifact of Mauritius's postal and cultural heritage.
Identify Valuable Stamps Instantly
Use StampSnap to identify potentially valuable stamps like the Mauritius Post Office with our advanced recognition technology.