On May 17, 1917, Estonia issued its first perforated stamp (10 Penni), printed by the printhouse Eduard Bergmann located in Tartu, Estonia. The second stamp 5 Penni) of the two definitives was issued imperforated on May 15, 1917. The quality of the perforation was perceived unsatisfactory.

The majority of the stamps had unorderly perforations. Despite the fact that all 1061200 stamps printed were sold, it was decided after a few weeks to return to imperforated stamps only. On October 8, 1919, the 10 Penni stamp was re-issued imperforated (print tun: 3034800).

The perforated and imperforated stamps can readily be distinguished through color variance, paper form and gum. In addition, a small quantity (about 400) of the intended perforated variant was actually sold in imperforated form.