What is a Perfin?

A perfin is a number of small holes in a distinct pattern applied to postage and other stamps as security against theft. The name perfin is a condensed form of PERForated INitials, although some perfins are full names or symbols rather than initials.

Who are we?

The Perfin Society was formed in 1957 with the aim of recording all perfins found on GB stamps. It currently has around 300 members in the UK plus about 50 in the rest of the world.

What do we do?

The Society aims to record all perfins on GB stamps, their period of use and identity of the user. Liaison is maintained with other Societies with similar interests throughout the world. The Society also helps perfin (and commercial overprint) collectors build their collections and trade duplicates through the auction, and sales and wants in the Bulletin.

Follow the contents links on the left of this page for more information on our activities.