A first day of issue cover or first day cover (FDC) is a postage stamp on a cover, postal card or stamped envelope franked on the first day the issue is authorized for use within the country or territory of the stamp-issuing authority. From 2004-2006 the United States celebrated the bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark expedition – many, many First Day Covers were created with the commemorative stamps issued during that time. Some of the FDC celebrate Seaman, the Newfoundland Dog who accompanied Lewis & Clark on the travels.
A cachet located only on the front left of the envelope is called a Fleetwood Cachet.
Over the years, collectors have made it clear that they prefer their first day covers (FDC) with cachets, the informative illustration usually on the left-hand side of the envelope. Overall cachets covering all or most of the envelope have become popular.
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