A First Day Cover (FDC) is an envelope or card bearing a stamp which is cancelled on the day the stamp is initially placed on sale by the postal authorities. A FDC with the Lafayette stamp (A) is shown with an Charleston, SC, First Day Of Issue cancel (B) and a cachet (C), pronounced ka-shay, which tells us something about the stamp.

In the United States the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) may designate one or more cities as "official" -- the location where the new stamp is first released to the public. The location is usually appropriate to the subject of the stamp. The 1985 Christmas stamp on the illustrated FDC was released in Nazareth, MI -- a city whose name is associated with the holiday

A specific day is selected for release of the new stamp, one which is usually significant to the subject -- such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt stamp issued on the 100th anniversary of his birth, shown here on a FDC. On the day following the First Day, the stamp is available virtually everywhere in the country

Generally a First Day Of Issue (FDOI) ceremony is sponsored by the Postal Service or an organization associated with the new stamp. It is a colorful and entertaining ceremony which enables collectors to attend to prepare special souvenirs. Programs such as the Motorcycle coil stamp folder illustrated are usually distributed free of charge.

What is a the Significance of the Cachet?.

The cachet enhances the cover by complementing the stamp and can be attractive, educational, humorous, and other things. There are many different cachets for each new stamp -- such as two Babe Ruth types shown.. The choice adds an exciting dimension to the hobby

How do I Choose a Cachet?.