It is true that when we all started collecting stamps, perforations were not part of our main concerns. As we evolved as philatelists -and learned more- we realized that perforations do are important. But not only that they are not damaged, but the importance of measuring perforations and understanding the different posible combinations in a stamp.
So, what is the importance of measuring perforations in stamps?
I will respond to that question using 2 different Costa Rica stamps as an example.
Let’s use the 1907 issue first. Specifically, the 4 céntimos stamp. The regular issued stamp has 11×14 perforation with a catalog value of $12. This same stamp with 14×14 perforation has a catalog value of $500. Do you get my point?
Another example is Scott 94 with a catalog value of $100 for the regular 11×14 stamp and $300 for the 14×14 one. 
Since this is a surcharge, errors exist. The 11×14 stamp with the “correos” inverted error has a value of $2.000. 
Guess what? That same error with 14×14 perforation doesn’t even have an estimated price! Only 2 are rumored to exist!!!
You may have a very expensive stamp without knowing it. It is just a matter of understanding the possible perforation variations that your stamps can have and start measuring them.
Do you know the importance of measuring perforations in stamps now?
In order to measure stamps you can use any of the following tools:
- Manual perforation measurement gauge which has a really low price.
- Electronic perforation measurement gauge, that has a higher price, but is easier measure perforations.
Make sure to visit our other posts at www.estampillascr.com/blog.
Make sure to review our tips for stamp collecting in the XXI century.
