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, typically 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" has emerged. Today, first day covers take the form of nearly any object onto which stamps and cancellations can be applied - including magazine covers, baseball cards, and even coconuts and rocks, which have found their way into collections.
Explore this page to learn more about first day covers...