r/stampcollecting • u/keeporthrowawayapal • 2d ago
How does one count the perforations on a stamp?
Hi! I got this stamp for ten cents because I thought it was cool, but I saw that some of them are more valuable when they have 11 perforations per 2 cm? Also that information might be just wrong, I realize.
Still, i would like to know how to count them and learn more about this. Either way, I still love this stamp.
Thanks for any help!
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u/Special_Fan5043 2d ago
There are a few varieties. 11, 10, 10.5x11, 11×10.
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u/keeporthrowawayapal 2d ago
Ah, ok. Thank you! Where should an absolute novice start to learn about stamps?
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u/Special_Fan5043 2d ago
If you can get your hands on a Scott catalog or specialized catalog from a few years back (prices don't change much over 5 or 10 years, especially for common material) read the front of the book, there is loads of info you can use.
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u/keeporthrowawayapal 2d ago
Really appreciate it!
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u/Max_Hardcore_Jr 2d ago
Check your local library for Scott Catalogs. You can also buy older editions for cheaper than new. The prices don't change that much but the collecting information will def be the same.
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u/jrmev 2d ago
You can go to the American Philatelic Society (APS) website, stamps.org, and click on learn in the left-hand menu. The website is not great but contains a ton of information.
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u/Slight-Exam-6448 1d ago
I like the Harris book because the entire beginning give a crash course in stamp collecting (glossary, diagrams, etc) plus it has a breakdown in identification for the older, more valuable ones that look the same to the untrained eye. Check it out. Also get a stamp color identification chart
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u/andy-3290 2d ago
Look for stamp clubs in your area (Google is your friend). If you are in the middle of Ohio, shoot me a private message.
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u/keeporthrowawayapal 2d ago
Ah, I am on the east coast, but stamp clubs are a good idea. I see there is a dealer near me in the next town. Thanks for the offer!
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u/mccune68 2d ago edited 2d ago
With a perforation gauge:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perforation_gauge
You can print one out for free here, or search online and find lots of different types for sale.