First day cover album royal mail
A fascinating topic!
A First Day Cover (FDC) is a special type of postal cover that is postmarked on the first day of issue of a new stamp or stamp series. The Royal Mail, the postal service of the United Kingdom, has been issuing FDCs for many years, featuring a wide range of stamps and themes.
Here are some interesting facts about Royal Mail First Day Covers:
- First Day Covers were introduced in 1954: The first FDC was issued by the Royal Mail on February 6, 1954, to commemorate the issue of the "Wilding" definitive stamp series.
- Unique postmark: Each FDC features a special postmark that is applied on the first day of issue, usually at a specific post office or location. This postmark is often designed to match the theme of the stamp or stamp series.
- Covers are specially prepared: Royal Mail produces FDCs in large quantities, which are then sent to post offices and other authorized dealers. The covers are usually printed with a special design or artwork related to the stamp or theme.
- Collectibility: FDCs are highly collectible, especially those featuring rare or limited-edition stamps. Many collectors seek out FDCs to complete their stamp collections or to add to their postal history collections.
- Variations: Royal Mail has issued many different types of FDCs over the years, including:
- Standard FDCs: These are the most common type, featuring a standard design and postmark.
- Special FDCs: These may feature a unique design, artwork, or postmark, often to commemorate a specific event or anniversary.
- Presentation packs: These are FDCs that are packaged with a special folder or album, often featuring additional information and artwork.
- Error FDCs: These are FDCs that feature errors or misprints, such as incorrect postmarks or misprinted covers.
Some popular Royal Mail First Day Covers include:
- British Royal Family: FDCs featuring stamps of the British Royal Family, such as Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Charles.
- Wildlife: FDCs featuring stamps of British wildlife, such as birds, animals, or insects.
- Historical events: FDCs commemorating significant historical events, such as the D-Day landings or the Apollo 11 moon landing.
- Literary characters: FDCs featuring stamps of famous literary characters, such as Sherlock Holmes or Winnie-the-Pooh.
If you're interested in collecting Royal Mail First Day Covers, you can find them at post offices, online marketplaces, or specialized stamp dealers. Happy collecting!