Early perforated issues may have the perforations touching the design on one or more sides. Used stamps will have light or otherwise neat cancellations. Imperforate stamps have two margins at least normal size, with the design not touching any edge. Perforated stamps have the perfs well clear of the design, but the stamp is still noticeably off-center. Many early issues will have the design naturally very close to the edge.
Fine stamps have the design noticeably off-center on two sides.
Imperforate stamps may have small margins, and early issues may show the design touching one edge of the stamp. Perforated stamps may have the perforations barely clear the design on one side, and early issues may have the perforations slightly cutting into the design. Used stamps may have heavier than usual cancels. Cancellations may be heavier than usual. Cancellations may be heavier than usual.