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Post offices all over the world produce many kinds of philatelic materials. Most of them are related to the history and culture of the country where the post office is located. Some are topical in nature, which means that these items have special topics on them besides the country’s history and culture. Occasionally, these items are produced to publicize a few important events. Most of these materials are collector’s items, too. The philatelic items produced by post offices include stamps, souvenir sheets, miniature sheets of stamps, first day covers, aerograms and air letters, postal cards and stationaries, maximum cards, and commemorative items. Stamps and first day covers are perennial favorites among stamp collectors.

First day covers (FDC) are special envelopes with a special or commemorative design. It has a stamp or set of stamps affixed to it. The stamps are cancelled with the first day of issue cancellation which contains a design related to the postal issue, the exact date of release of the philatelic item, and few other information if required or needed. Sometimes, a first day cover has a souvenir sheet affixed to it and cancelled with the first day of issue cancellation. The area on which the stamp or souvenir sheet is glued to and cancelled is the most important part of the first day cover.

All first day covers have a cache area. This area of the first day cover, often simply called cache, has a beautiful design related to the stamp issue of the day. The beautiful or artistic appearance of first day covers is one main reason that makes them collectible items. In addition, these special envelopes are intended for postage use. First day covers used as envelopes for sending letters on the first day of release or issuance are sought after by stamps collectors, particularly those whose participate in competitive philatelic exhibitions.

I – Introduction: Article

II – Argentina, Australia, Cocos Islands, Czechoslovakia and India

III – Indonesia and Israel

IV – Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines

V – Philippines, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts, United Nations and the United States

Related Article(s)/Photographic Display(s):  First Day Covers from 8 Countries  and  First Day Covers from Poland

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