What is a perforation error and does it affect value?
What Perforation Errors Look Like
Perforations are the small holes that separate stamps from a sheet. Errors can include holes that are missing on one edge, holes that are shifted so the design looks off center, or teeth that are the wrong size. Some errors are small, while others are dramatic enough to notice at a glance.
Collectors usually care most about errors that were produced in limited quantities or that show up in published catalogs. A stamp with a common mistake may only be worth a little more than an ordinary copy.
- Missing perforations on one or more edges
- Shifted perforations that cut into the design
- Wrong perforation gauge compared with catalog listings
- Imperfect separation that looks like an error
Judging the Value
Check whether your error is listed in a stamp catalog, and compare the listing with the condition of your copy. Condition includes centering, gum, and any creases or thins. A damaged stamp with an error usually sells for less than a clean one.
Ask whether the error is well documented. Specialists may need to confirm it before a dealer will offer a premium. Keep the stamp in a protective holder while you research it.
If you are unsure whether a perforation is an error or a normal variation, compare it with several copies from the same issue. A single example rarely tells the whole story. Patience usually pays off more than rushing to sell.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every off-center or uneven perforation is a valuable error.
- Trimming or repairing perforations, which can reduce value sharply.
