Topical Stamp Collecting
Expanding Horizons

Perfins, shortened from PERforated INitials – holes punched into stamps to form a design, offer topical collectors more opportunities. Stamps which, themselves, do not have a design that qualifies for a topical collection suddenly become part of the same collection because of the perfin's design. Perfins are produced by private firms or governmental agencies to discourage theft or misuse.

• Great Britain had the first perfin in 1869.

Watermarks, patterns impressed into paper during manufacture, come in a variety of designs, which may enhance a topical collection. Major stamp catalogs normally illustrate watermarks with a country’s listing.

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