EDU--Earliest Documented Use. This applies to a stamp used on cover (envelope/post card etc.)or a legible day, month, year cancel on an off-cover stamp or multiple of a stamp. The term EKU, Earliest Know Use, is sometimes used. Scott Specialized shows what is believed to be the approximate release date of early issues and then shows the current established EDU/EKU at the bottom of the listing for an issue. After First Day Cancellation Covers started being sold, those were in effect the EDU/EKUs of an issue. On earlier issues, its not necessarily know what the exact release (sale) date was therefore a part of the hobby is searching for the EDUs--and they do have a value premium.
