First Day Cover Stamps

January 22nd, 2010 | First Day Cover Stamps, Stamp Collecting, collectible stamps, stamp collection

Ireland Stamps 2750 Cachet First Day Covers

US $1,112.10

Sale

US Stamps Lot of 600 Early Cachet First Day Covers

US $892.10

Sale

Stamps -> Worldwide -> First Day Covers

Collecting first day cover stamps is a popular subset of stamp collecting in general. Those who look for these types of stamps are an enthusiastic and passionate group, many even belonging to societies designed to promote first day covers and first day cover collecting.

First day cover stamps are stamps that were used on their first day of issue that were canceled with a mark that announces the stamps first date of issue. Often first day covers were issued on a date that has some significance with the subject of the stamp. Those types of covers are typically more valuable than others. The “city of issuance” or the city in which the stamp is first issued and sold usually has some tie to the subject of the stamp, as well.

The difference between collecting stamps and collecting first day cover stamps is quite marked. To collect first day covers, you must acquire the entire postcard or envelope on which the stamp was used, rather than the just the stamp itself. The object is to have the envelope completely intact so that the entire cancellation stamp is visible. While many stamps are canceled carelessly, first day covers are typically very straight and aligned so that all the writing is easily visible and readable.

First day cover stamps are the actual newly issued stamp that’s used on the envelope. The first day cancellation is the cancellation marked used, which will state the first day of issuance and the city of issuance. While some first day cancellations are little more than the standard bar lines with the city and the date, some were elaborate pictorial cancellations.

Some more terminology you should known when collecting first day cover stamps deal with the difference types of cancellations used. A show cancellation is a pictorial cancellation that has some tie to a stamp show or other related event. A bullseye cancellation lacks the long straight or wavy bars that extend over the stamp and much of the envelope. These are round cancellations that bear the date of stamp issue, the city and zip code. Some bullseye cancellations are known as “sock-on-the-nose” cancellations, because they were designed to be centered properly.

Round date cancellations are like a bullseye cancellation but much larger, and typically not used for first day of issue cancellations but are sometimes used on stamps depicting special events. Two types of machine cancellations are Model D and Imprinter cancellations, each made from a metal die and rubber die, respectively. Hand cancellations are some of the most desired by collectors, because the stamp was done by hand, typically because the first day cover stamps were considered artistic and unique, and too nice to be canceled by a mere machine!

Online auctions are a great place to find first day cover stamps, whether you’re searching in general or looking for a particular cover. If the photo isn’t large enough for you to read the cover, ask the seller for a better shot so you can be sure of what you’re getting.

Photo Credits: cliff1066™

Originally posted 2008-10-22 05:00:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Related Posts

Benefits of Collecting Old Stamps Collecting old stamps, especially vintage postage stamps can bring great value. Collecting old stamps can be fun and educational, it can be affordable, and it can bring about understanding of history, art, travel and many other areas of culture as well. Here is an explanation of why collecting old stamps......
Postage Stamp Collecting Terms There are a number of terms that are specific to postage stamp collecting within philatelic circles. These postage stamp collecting terms are especially important when it comes to grading stamps and evaluating stamps for their value, rarity and collectability. The more that you know when it comes to postage stamp......
Guide to Selling Stamps and Stamp Collections Often people ask me for advice on what to do with their newly inherited or given stamp collection, usually with a bent on selling it. These are a few pointers I have slapped together. Number one: do not get your hopes up. Most people see albums or boxes full of......
Selling Stamp Collections If you are a stamp collector, one of the considerations you may end up making pertains to selling stamp collections. If you are interested in selling stamp collections, you are going to need to keep this in mind at all times and with every stamp that you buy. Stamp collectors......
Where to Buy Stamps Online People who break into the world of stamps often find themselves wondering about where to buy stamps online as well as in person. Having a guide to the best places for where to buy stamps is always a good idea. One of the places where you can buy stamps online......

Related Websites

GLOSSARY OF BOOK TERMS ads, advts, adverts Advertisements placed in the binding of the book. Advanced Copy A copy for booksellers and reviewers, either bound in paperwraps or a copy of the trade edition with a review slip laid in. aeg See All Edges Gilt. al See Autographed Letter. All Edges Gilt The......
Collectible Mugs Collecting a wide variety of collectible mugs can really be perceived as being a popular hobby. If you are just getting started in the world of collectible mugs, then it is essential that you learn as much as you can about this interesting hobby. Acquiring your own collectible mugs can......
Collectible Bottles Collectibles -> Bottles and Insulators -> Bottles-> Antique (Pre-1930) One of the most unique forms of collectibles are bottles and you’d be surprised at just how many you can find. Ranging from antiques that were produced in the 1900’s, to ones that are just rolling off the assembly line right......
Collecting Rare Collectibles 101 There are all kinds of different collectibles out there, including rare collectibles and more common collectibles for example. If you are interested in collecting rare collectibles, then knowing how to identify them, find them, price them, display them and sell them are all very important considerations to make. Here is......
Appreciating Video Game Collectibles Everyone was young once- And when you were young, you probably played video games. Throughout history, we have amassed quite a collection of video game collectibles. Video game collectibles are video games, video game consoles, video game accessories and video game memorabilia that are vintage or antique, or that are......