U.S. unused vending and affixing machine perforation pairs are very popular

May 7, 2025, 8 AM

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

Unused United States stamps with vending and affixing machine perforations are very popular and in demand. Imperforate sheets of 400 definitive stamps were supplied to vending and affixing machine companies beginning in 1906. The various companies then applied private perforations compatible with their equipment.

The Post Office Department stopped supplying imperforate sheets in 1927 and required vending and affixing machines to operate with post office produced coil stamps. Stamps with vending and affixing machine perforations are listed in the back of the book of the Scott catalog by the name of the company that applied them and by the Scott number of the stamps used. Catalog values are given for unused pairs and for used single stamps.

The scarcer and more expensive pairs are in great demand, but counterfeits made from pairs of imperforate stamps are rife. As noted in the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers, “Counterfeits are prevalent especially of items having a basic imperf. variety valued far lower than the vending machine coil.” Expertization is a must for the more expensive pairs.

Look for pairs of Scott 408 and 409 with Brinkerhoff type I perforations. Unused pairs are valued at $35 each. Stamps in the grade of very fine have large perforation holes that don’t cut the design and are not off center left to right. Pairs in unused, hinged condition are a good buy at up to full Scott catalog value. Examples in mint, never-hinged condition command a premium of 50 percent to 75 percent of catalog value.

Adding a few vending and affixing machine perforation pairs to your collection will be satisfying. If you’re on a tight budget, used singles with Schermack Co. perforations have catalog values as low as 45¢, and you can have a lot of fun and history for a little money.

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