The Perfin Club of New Zealand and Australia (PCNZA for short) is, as you can probably guess, a club for collectors of perfins. Established in 1987, it has a number of very experienced collectors of all types of perfins (both official and private), and is always willing to help collectors, whether they are members or not.

The PCNZA is the only organisation or individual in Australia which will specifically certify an OS perfin.

The PCNZA publishes the definitive reference to OS and other official punctures, the book Australian Official Perfins, by David Andersen.

Particularly if you are purchasing an expensive OS stamp, it is well worthwhile contacting the PCNZA, preferably BEFORE you buy.

For general advice, you can contact the PCNZA via the perfins.com.au website.

To have an OS puncture certified, you can contact the PCNZA via their expertisation service.

Serious collectors of OS perfins should have the following two books in their library:

1. The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue - King George V (2017 edition) published by Brusden White and available through your club dealer John Laker.


2. Australian Official Perfins by David Andersen (2007 edition) published by the PCNZA and available from them directly.

If you are purchasing an OS puncture from a source whose trustworthiness is unknown to you, there are some simple rules to follow.

• Know the details of the stamp you're after, ie what should a good OS puncture look like.


• If it doesn't "look right", then it probably isn't.


• Google the seller. Look for any comments, for or against.


• Seach for the seller on Stampboards


• If on Ebay, learn how to carry out a thorough search of completed listings, and current listings for the same seller.


• Seek help if necessary from the PCNZA.


• Ask your fellow club members, particularly those experienced in collecting OS perfins.