1. Own a Piece of History An FDC isn't just postage—it is an official historical document. The postmark acts as a time capsule, permanently stamping the precise date and location where a story began. Whether honoring a national milestone, celebrating an iconic figure, or commemorating a cultural movement, holding an FDC means owning a piece of history on the exact day it was made.

2. Enjoy Exclusive, Eye-Catching Artwork What sets first day covers apart from standard mail is the cachet —the artwork printed, painted, or engraved on the left side of the envelope. Cachet designers use everything from vintage engraving techniques to bold digital art, creating limited-edition visuals that complement the stamp's theme. Every cover is a miniature, frameable canvas.

3. Build a Collection That Reflects Your Passion One of the best things about FDC collecting is that there are no rules. You can curate a collection built entirely around what you love: Thematics: Focus on specific subjects like space exploration, national parks, classic cars, or holiday traditions. Historical Eras: Collect covers from specific decades, major wars, or historic presidential inaugurations. Artist or Cachet Maker: Follow individual cachet artists to collect their complete runs.

4. Join a Welcoming, Passionate Community Collecting first day covers connects you with a dedicated global community of enthusiasts and creators. Groups like the American First Day Cover Society (AFDCS)** offer resources, swap meets, and publications that make discovering rare gems and learning the stories behind each cover an ongoing adventure.

5. An Accessible, Timeless Hobby Unlike many collectibles that require massive space or huge investments, first day covers are portable, affordable, and easy to display. Standard archival sleeves keep them protected, allowing you to showcase your favorites in albums or ready-to-frame wall displays.

Getting Started: Whether you're drawn to vintage classics or the latest 2026 releases, starting an FDC collection is as simple as picking a topic that inspires you. Choose a cover that catches your eye, slide it into a protective display, and start building your personal gallery of history and art.

Co-designed by USPS Art Director Greg Breeding and designer Kyrie Johnson, the booklet of 20 stamps features photographs by Sarah Cramer Shields showcasing four uniquely frosted sugar cookies baked by Johnson:

• Christmas Tree
• Stocking
• Wrapped Present
• Santa’s Face

Set against alternating rich red and blue backgrounds, the collection marks the first time stocking- and present-shaped cookies have been featured on a U.S. postage stamp. These cheerful, contemporary holiday stamps offer a sweet, nostalgic touch for seasonal greetings and year-round mail.

Designed by USPS Art Director Greg Breeding using a photograph by Natalia Kostikova, the round stamp features a handmade, snow-flecked wreath crafted from artificial branches, pinecones, tiny berries, and hand-painted ornaments. Departing from traditional holiday red-and-green palettes, the design highlights soft light blue and light peach tones paired with a dusting of simulated snow to convey a peaceful, gentle seasonal mood. Sold in panes of 10, the stamp remains perpetually valid for international postage regardless of future rate increases.

Designed by USPS Art Director Antonio Alcalá, the vertical stamp features blue-tinted photographs highlighting two iconic vessels:

• USCGC Eagle (Top): The three-masted barque sail training ship, which has served as the academy's primary ocean-going classroom since 1946.
• USCGC Bertholf (Bottom): A Legend-class National Security Cutter representing the modern operational Coast Guard fleet.

Separating the two vessels at the center is a red banner with white sans-serif lettering reading: “U.S. COAST GUARD ACADEMY 1876 / 150th ANNIVERSARY / 2026.” The stamp honors the past, present, and future cadets dedicated to the motto *Semper Paratus* ("Always Ready").