First day cover 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 postal stationery. In the UK, Royal Mail issues new stamps and postal stationery on a regular basis, and many collectors and philatelists eagerly await these new releases.

Here's what makes a First Day Cover special:

  1. Postmark: The cover is postmarked with a special postmark, usually featuring the date of issue, the name of the town or city where the postmark was applied, and sometimes a relevant design or logo.
  2. New stamp or stationery: The cover features a new stamp or postal stationery that is being issued for the first time.
  3. Limited edition: FDCs are often produced in limited quantities, making them a unique and collectible item.
  4. Special cancellation: The postmark is usually applied in a special way, such as a hand-stamped or machine-stamped cancellation, which adds to the cover's collectibility.

Royal Mail offers a range of First Day Covers, including:

  1. Standard FDCs: These are the most common type of FDC, featuring a standard postmark and a simple design.
  2. Special FDCs: These covers feature a more elaborate design, such as a special postmark, a hologram, or a unique cancellation.
  3. Presentation packs: These are special FDCs that come with a presentation pack, which includes additional items such as a booklet, a certificate of authenticity, or a special insert.
  4. Error FDCs: These are FDCs that feature an error or a mistake, such as a misprinted postmark or a misaligned stamp.

Collectors and philatelists often seek out First Day Covers as a way to commemorate a new stamp issue or to add to their collection. If you're interested in collecting FDCs, you can find them at your local post office, online marketplaces, or specialized philatelic shops.