First Day Cover Collecting Basics

Getting Started with First Day Cover Collecting

There are many enjoyable ways to collect First Day Covers (FDCs). This guide introduces the major collecting styles, helpful resources, pricing considerations, and the history behind FDCs. No matter how you choose to collect, you’ll find plenty of material through online stores, eBay, and local stamp dealers.

A highly recommended reference is the Scott U.S. First Day Cover Catalogue & Checklist (2009 edition), which lists more than 10,000 cacheted and uncacheted FDCs with updated values and descriptions. It’s often available at local libraries.

What Is a First Day Cover?

A First Day Cover consists of three essential elements:

• The envelope
• The stamp
• The postmark

The postmark is the key component—it verifies the exact date the stamp was canceled and ties it to the cover. If the cancellation date matches the first day a stamp was officially issued, the envelope becomes a First Day Cover.

The U.S. Postal Service typically releases each new stamp in a single city the day before it becomes available nationwide. These events often include special ceremonies, and since World War II, many have featured collectible Ceremony Programs.

Cachets: The Art of the First Day Cover

Since 1923, most FDCs have featured a cachet (pronounced ka‑shay)—a printed, stamped, pasted, or hand‑drawn design that relates to the stamp’s subject. Cachets range from simple illustrations to elaborate artwork.

Collectors often focus on:

• Cacheted vs. uncacheted covers
• Specific cachet makers
• Artistic styles
• Time periods or themes

Don’t Forget Postal Cards

U.S. Postal Cards are an often overlooked part of FDC collecting. Because they receive less attention, they can be an affordable way to build a meaningful collection. While many dealers don’t carry them, they are increasingly available online.

Popular Cachet Makers

Here are some of the most recognized and collected cachet producers:

Artcraft

Founded in 1939, Artcraft is one of the most widely collected cachet makers. Their engraved black‑ink designs are clean, detailed, and highly appreciated by collectors. Early issues from 1939 are scarcer, and many collectors seek complete runs. Except for early issues, unaddressed covers are generally preferred.

Artmaster

Artmaster began in 1946 and is still family‑owned. Their covers are typically printed in one or two colors, with short biographies or stamp descriptions on the back. Early Artmaster covers were engraved in a single color.

House of Farnam

The oldest continuously produced cachet line, founded in 1936. Farnam covers feature multi‑color engraved designs with a rich, textured appearance. Early issues were single‑color. Production later passed to Artmaster.

Cover Craft Cachets (CCC)

Started in 1964, CCC became a limited‑edition version of Farnam in 1987. Produced by Artmaster since 1988, these covers use gray stock and include a stuffer card with production numbers and stamp details.

Fleetwood

Fleetwood has produced premium First Day Covers since 1929. Their covers are known for high‑quality linen‑finish paper, exclusive artwork, authoritative narratives, and official postmarks. Many collectors consider Fleetwood among the finest FDC producers.

Colorano Silk

Colorano is famous for its full‑color “silk” cachets—vivid artwork framed with gold borders and printed on silk‑like material. These covers have been popular for more than 25 years and are considered some of the most visually striking FDCs available.

Build the Collection That Fits You

Whether you prefer classic engraved cachets, colorful silk designs, or affordable postal cards, there is no wrong way to collect. Choose the style, theme, or cachet maker that inspires you, and enjoy the journey of discovering new covers.