What is a Perfin?

A perfin is a number of small holes in a distinct pattern applied to stamps as security against theft.

The name perfin is a condensed form of PERForated INitials, or PERForated INsignia.

Other security endorsements on stamps include commercial overprints (on stamps used fiscally) and underprints.

Perfin	Commercial Overprint	Underprint

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page and read our articles for more information on perfins.

Who are we?

The Perfin Society was formed in the UK in 1957 and currently has around 300 members all over the world.

History of the Society (pdf file)

The Society welcomes collectors of perfins or other security endorsements of all countries.

The Society publishes a Bulletin every 2 months, runs regular auctions of worldwide perfins and other security endorsements, holds regular meetings, publishes catalogues and maintains an extensive library.

We aim to record all perfins on GB stamps, their period of use and identity of the user. We liaise with other Societies with similar interests throughout the world. Visit our Classification page for more information on how we catalogue perfins.

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

List of the Society committee