First day cover royal

First day covers are envelopes with commemorative stamps postmarked on the first day of issue, highly sought after by stamp collectors.

About this subject

First day covers, or FDCs, are envelopes bearing a commemorative stamp that is postmarked with the official first day of issue date. This practice gained popularity in the early 20th century, with the first officially recognized FDC issued by the United States in 1926 for the 2-cent Liberty stamp. Since then, postal services worldwide, including Brazil, produce FDCs for special stamps, especially those honoring royalty, such as weddings, coronations, and monarchs' anniversaries.

In Brazil, Correios issues FDCs for commemorative stamps from the 'Brasil' series and for international events. Royal themes are particularly popular among collectors. British stamps of Queen Elizabeth II, for instance, are widely collected, especially those issued for her Golden Jubilee or the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. The value of a royal FDC depends on the stamp, the rarity of the postmark, and the envelope's condition.

To identify a genuine FDC, check the postmark: it must be dated precisely on the first day of issue and usually includes the location of issue. Envelopes with special postmarks, such as those from temporary postal stations, can increase value. Experienced collectors also examine the type of cancellation, which can be mechanical or hand-applied.

An interesting fact is that royal FDCs are not limited to the British monarchy. Countries like Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and Japan also issue stamps and FDCs for their royal families. Brazil has issued commemorative stamps for visits by foreign monarchs, such as King Juan Carlos of Spain in 1991, which also generated collectible FDCs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a first day cover?

It is an envelope with a commemorative stamp postmarked with the first day of issue date, highly prized by stamp collectors.

How to identify an authentic royal first day cover?

Check that the postmark is dated on the first day of issue and includes the location. Envelopes with special cancellations or hand-stamped marks can be more valuable.

What is the value of a royal first day cover?

Value depends on the stamp, rarity of the postmark, and condition. FDCs from famous royal events, like the wedding of Charles and Diana, can fetch high prices at auction.