How to Buy First Day Covers Stamps

First Day Covers or FDC are envelopes and postcards using a stamp that has been canceled (by the postal office) on the first day it was issued. The envelope, postcard and the postmark used with these stamps become parts of the First Day Covers. People collect these special stamps covers as part of stamp collecting hobbies. Use these steps to help you buy First Day Covers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify a First Day Cover. Find the postmark date and first issue date on envelopes and postcards. If this issue date is the same as the canceled date, this is a First Day Cover. The front of the cover will have the words “First Day Issue” with a postmark as evidence that it has been canceled. Generally, the older and the more rare First Day Covers attain higher price values over time.

2. Evaluate the design of the First Day Cover Stamp. Some of these stamps are very simple and others have may have very elaborate designs. FDC are also divided into topical designs and many are commemorative stamps. Decide which type of FDC to collect based on designs and rarity.

3. 
    
   First Day Issue Stamps

   Consider First Day Issues signed by famous people. Some of these covers have been signed in the front of the envelopes or postcards by famous people in the arts, media, politics etc. These covers may have higher appreciation value to some collectors.

4. Determine if the First Day Cover has been mailed. Some FDC have been used to mail a letter or a postcard to someone. However, other covers are purchased and never use by stamp collectors. The value of these two types of covers depends on factors such as stamp rarity, design and the address used on the cover.

5. 
    
   First Day Issue Envelopes

   Identify stamp collecting resources to learn about First Day Covers. Search on the internet for “first day issue envelopes”, “first day issue stamps, “USPS first day issue” and “first day covers”. These searches can help you identify collectible FDC with different dates and designs.

6. Use a First Day Issues catalog to identify some of the more collectibles and rare issues. A catalog can also help you find first day issue values. These catalogs are sold in bookstores and online, they can also be borrowed from libraries.

7. Find collectible stamps businesses to buy First Day Covers. FDC are sold by stamp dealers, eBay sellers, auctions and individual collectors. Many of these stamp dealers and collectors have online galleries of stamp inventory.