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A printed design on an envelope issued with a new stamp on its first day.
Also known as: FDC cachet, Cover design, First day cover
A cachet is a printed design on an envelope prepared for the first day a stamp is issued, and it is not the postmark. The two are separate: the cachet is printed by the producer of the cover, and the special handstamp is applied by the post office, often at a place connected to the stamp's subject. Which of the two a collector is buying, and whether both are official, is what decides a cover's value — and it is the distinction most new collectors miss.
Is printed by the producer of the cover rather than applied by the post office, which is the distinction from the special handstamp that shares the envelope with it.
Contexts: History, Public information
Is frequently paired with a special handstamp applied at a place connected with the stamp's subject, and whether both are official is what decides a cover's collecting value.
Contexts: History, Public information
A printed illustration occupying the left portion of an envelope face, with the stamp and a circular postmark to its right.
Both appear on the same envelope and are constantly confused.