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1. What is a First Day Cover?
A First Day Cover is an envelope, postcard, etc., affixed with unused stamps bearing at a minimum the current first-class
postage, having a postmark indicating the first day of issuance city and date. [top]
2. What is the First Day of Issue (Issuance)?
The First Day of Issue is the first day that a particular stamp goes on sale. This date may have a special significance with
the subject depicted on the stamp.[top]
3. What is the City of Issuance? First Day City?
The City of Issuance is the actual city and state where a particular stamp is first issued and sold to the public. This city
usually has a special significance with the subject depicted on the stamp [top].
4. What is a First Day Cancellation?
The First Day Cancellation is the actual postmark bearing the first day of issuance city and date. This can either take the
form of a standard "killer bar' cancellation (containing lines that appear above and below the words "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE"), or a pictorial cancellation (containing a picture along with
the words "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE").[top]
5. What is a Show cancellation?
A Show cancellation is a pictorial cancellation commemorating a particular stamp show or event.[top]
6. What is a Bullseye cancellation?
A Bullseye cancellation is only a circular cancellation depicting the city, state, zip code, and date of the stamp issue. It
does not contain "killer bars", any part of a pictorial, or the words "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE". A "sock-on-the-nose" bullseye cancellation instructs the canceler to center the
cancellation vertically and horizontally on the stamp.[top]
7. What is a Round Date cancellation?
A Round Date cancellation is similar to a Bullseye Cancellation (containing only the city, state, zip code, and date) but much
larger. It is used as a receiving and dating stamp in postal operations and may be used to cancel covers depicting special events. It is not used for First Day of Issue cancellations.[top]
8. What is a Model D (machine) cancellation?
A Model D cancellation is an official First Day of Issue cancellation obtained from a Model D machine using a metal die. The
size of a Model D Cancellation is usually significantly smaller than a rubber die cancellation of the same issue.[top]
9. What is an Imprinter (machine) cancellation?
An Imprinter cancellation is a cancellation obtained from an Imprinter machine using a rubber die. This machine is used for
round date, First Day of Issue, and pictorial cancellations. The size of an Imprinter cancellation is usually significantly larger than a metal die cancellation of the same issue.[top]
10. What is a Hand cancellation?
A Hand cancellation is performed by hand using a rubber die cancellation. It is the preferred cancellation type on covers that
are considered too unique and/or artistic to be canceled by a machine. Hand cancellations may be provided for First Day of Issue and pictorial cancellations.[top]
11. Why would one collect First Day Covers?
Many stamp collectors and stamp dealers collect mint (uncancelled) stamps. Some collect First Day Covers (FDC's). Others
may collect both. However, a stamp cancelled with the official First Day of Issue cancel has the special significance of having the issue date and the city, state, and zip code of the issuing city, along
with the words "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE". Collecting First Day Covers is a hobby for anyone who loves stamps! [top]
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