What is a first day cover (FDC)?

A first day cover, often abbreviated FDC, is an envelope with postage (most often stamps, but sometimes imprinted) that has been postmarked on the first day of issue for the stamp. These envelopes (commonly called "covers") often include an artistic cachet or other decoration, commonly tied to the theme of the stamps in some way. AFDCS is dedicated to the promotion of collecting FDCs, designing and producing cachets and all other aspects of first day philately.

As cachetmakers have explored new methods and media for FDC designs, an amazing array of new "covers" have emerged.  Today, first day covers take the form of nearly any object onto which stmaps and cacnellations can be applied - including magazine covers, baseball cards, even coconuts and rocks have found their way into collections.

Explore this page to learn more about first day covers...

First Day Cover  - an envelope or postcard (the "cover") with a new stamp(s) or postal indicia, cancelled on the first day.

Cachet - Any textual or graphic design which has been applied to a cover usually, but not always, on the left side of the envelope. A cachet may be produced by any means— printed, rubberstamped, handdrawn, etc. A first day cachet should be related specifically to the stamp on the cover.

General Purpose Cachet - A cachet with a general design that is non-specific and may be used with any stamp subject. Also, all-purpose.