How to Identify a Die Cut Perforation

Die-cut perforations are cut by a metal device to produce perforation-like wavy lines for separating stamps.  Self-adhesive stamps are die cut.

Die Cut U.S. #4750
Die Cut U.S. #4750

Water-activated stamps are not die cut and have regular perforations that need to be physically torn to separate the stamps.

#299 is not die cut
#299 is not die cut
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7 Comments

  1. I cannot see any real difference between the two cuts,to me they look basically the same. I’ll keep trying.

    1. The thing to look for is that nobody ever separates perforated stamps perfectly smoothly. Some of the perforations are going to have ragged or irregular tips. A die cut is always going to be perfect. So, take out your magnifier and if you say, “wow, every last one of these perforations is smooth,” you have a die cut, and if they’re not smooth, you don’t.

    2. The thing to look for is that nobody ever separates perforated stamps perfectly smoothly. Some of the perforations are going to have ragged or irregular tips. A die cut is always going to be perfect. So, take out your magnifier and if you say, “wow, every last one of these perforations is smooth,” you have a die cut, and if they’re not smooth, you don’t.

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