The Rare Old British Stamp That's Worth A Fortune Now

Although they are not as widely used as before, stamps used to be everyday essentials — used for mailing letters, packages, and personal correspondence. With their unique designs and limited themes that often feature world leaders, landscapes or pop culture references, they quickly caught the eyes of hobbyists and collectors. But as time passed, many discovered that these once practical items have become worth a pretty penny, in some cases often sell for millions, even rivaling fine art valuations.

Take the 1847 Mauritius Post Office stamps, for example. Produced on the island of Mauritius while under British occupation, the stamp resembles others from the time period, but a few minuscule quirks and fascinating history made it every collector's dream item. In 1993, a pair of 1847 Mauritius Post Office stamps sold for $6.1 million at a Swiss auction, cementing their place as one of the most valuable stamps in the world.

The 1847 Mauritius Post Office Stamp is believed to be one of the most valuable collectibles in existence, with only 500 produced. According to Barnebys, a digital auction site and collectible database, the postage was designed by Joseph Osmond Barnard and came in blue and red variations. Its face was similar to other British stamps of the era and featured a profile bust of Queen Victoria and the postage value displayed on the bottom.

What makes the stamp worth millions stems from the fact that it was the first postage issued by Britain outside of Great Britain. According to Barnebys, it was commissioned by Sir William Maynard Gomm, Governor of Mauritius, as he attempted to recreate the English postal system on the island. Adding to its value is a minuscule printing error on the stamp's edge. Typically, stamps from the era displayed "Post Paid" on the left edge, but Barnard mistakenly inscribed "Post Office" on the first round of production. By 1848, the "Post Office" typo was corrected on the Mauritius stamps. What's more, the 1847 Mauritius Post Office Stamp was purportedly used by Gomm's wife for invitations to a royal ball held at the governor's house.

The 1847 Mauritius Post Office Stamp is just one of the collectibles that fetch millions of dollars at auction, but it features many of the typical traits that increase postage's valuation. For stamps to sell for large sums, they must be rare and have some historical significance. Often, stamps associated with major historical events or those produced in limited quantities are in high demand at auction. To find a stamp's true value, it's best to check auction results for similar items and consult with an appraiser to properly assess an item's rarity and condition.

However, one other major indicator of a stamp's worth is printing errors. The famous "Post Office" typo is a prime example. It serves as a reminder that stamps were produced in a laborious process using engraved copper plates and manual printing, where minor mistakes could make it into circulation. These tiny imperfections, once seen as flaws, can increase a stamp's rarity and valuation. So before you toss that old stamp collection, take a close look — you might be holding a piece of history.