Training | The Beauty of the First Day Cover (FDC)
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A first day cover or FDC is an envelope bearing a stamp or stamps destroyed on the date on which the stamp was validated for postal use with a first day (official, special) stamp for the issue or dated by the place of validation. In Bulgaria, stamps are traditionally and by law put into use by "Bulgarian Posts" in a settlement determined by order of the Minister of Transport and Communications. This happens with a short ceremony of validation of the new stamp. The first day cover is provided for a period of three days to a specific postal service (services) in the settlement for the purpose of preparing philatelic products (first day covers and cards maximum) by philatelists. After these 3 days, NO ONE has the right to use it, except Bulgarian Posts after a motivated request. Before affixing the postmark, it must be well cleaned for the purpose of its readability after affixing.
But let's get back to the first day cover. As we wrote above, the stamp that can be used to create a first day cover can be either the official one or the one from the validation date. Bulgarian Post Offices in some cases issue official first day covers that are postmarked before being put on sale with the official stamp for the issue. Some FDC collectors also collect "unofficial" first day covers. These are covers with the official or postmark from the place and day of validation and are usually made by collectors or dealers. Unofficial first day covers are usually made in small quantities and are out of the reach of most collectors.
Traveled or clean first day envelope?In most cases, first day covers are collected in their pristine condition (untraveled), but there are collectors who prefer the traveled FDC.
One or more brands?
One or more stamps, blocks or mini-sheets from the same postal issue may be placed on first-day covers. The only condition is that they must be destroyed with the official or date stamp.
One or more stamps, blocks or mini-sheets from the same postal issue may be placed on first-day covers. The only condition is that they must be destroyed with the official or date stamp.
Where and how is the stamp placed on an FDC?The special or date stamp is placed so that 25% of it is on the postage stamp or stamps and 75% is on the envelope. When placing a stamp on a block sheet: At least 2 stamps are placed: 1 stamp is placed on each stamp so that 25% is on the postage stamp and 75% on the block. One stamp is placed so that 25% is on the block and 75% on the envelope.
Let's not forget to mention that the First Day Cover class is not recognized by the FIP (Fédération Internationale de Philatélie) class, but some countries such as New Zealand have a national FDC class in their exhibitions with strict rules. Unfortunately, there are no rules and criteria for participation described for the Bulgarian exhibitions, which is why I cannot provide information whether the FDC class is allowed.