First Day Covers Question

Hello. New to the forum!
I am looking for suggestions on what to do with my collection of first day covers.
They are mostly from late 1980's to mid 1990's. They are in their binders and are in perfect condition.
I was recently told by a stamp "person" that they are pretty much worthless and I should give them way.
I just want to find a good home for them since I don't have the space nor do I have the interest in them that I used to.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

That person was correct. There are exceptions, as always, but there is very little interest in FDCs. Mint collectors do not want them, because they are cancelled. Postal history collectors do not want them as, generally, they are purely philatelic and often have not even gone through the post other than in another envelope. Used stamp collectors do not want for a similar reason. Stamps with first-day cancels sell at a discount to ordinarily used stamps.

Some good examples of FDCs that can be valuable are hand-painted cachets, which can be quite beautiful - like miniature works of art; and, also, some cachet makers are in high demand due to the quality of their cachets and the limited quantity available on the market.

FDCs were all the rage in popularity in the distant past. Not so much any more. Mass-produced FDCs have little value in the after market.

John

I agree with most of the commentary. The value of the FDC is quite minimal as the more modern would probably fetch $0.50 to a max of $1.00 for more scarce. I've made FDCs a part of my collection for reference material on the individual stamp. I obtain a mint & an FDC together. I have been seeking back issues (which is usually at a premium price) to complete my collection. I visit the $1 box offerings at stamp shows. I once subscribed to Postal Commemorative Society services for cache issues & paid a substantial premium for the service If your albums are PCS marked there was a premium paid when purchased never to be realized on a resale, (with some possible exceptions). If you want to maximize a return for these items do not break up sets (unless you have multiple sets). Research & keep year of issue together, identify topical subject by category (or multiple categories), cache maker if possible. Look for signatures of cache maker or stamp designer or representative of stamp subject. Are any of the First Day items related to the First Day Issue Ceremony Program, or other event noting stamp issue significance? FDCs enhance my collection & I enjoy the cache artwork (& the digital colored postmark)

Is anyone aware of any stamp shows in the New York metro area? I havne't come up with anything local in my searches.

Look at the printed design on the left side. Does it say, "Fleetwood, "Artmaster" or ???; perhaps pieces of glue on silk?

If you take them to a stamp show you will leave the stamp show with them and incur an expense for gas, parking, time, etc. for something you don't want and won't sell. Now if you are going to the stamp show for other reasons, by all means go.

Maybe look to local stamp clubs.....we had 2 members who had collected all kinds of FDC's in our club. Club members may be willing to buy. There are some dealers who still look to buy FDC's also. I know 3 in Midwest who still look to buy them...so dont just forget the show dealers. It may pay just to attend smaller shows also. Large shows attract dealers who are just trying to turn over as much stock as possible....little show dealers usually are more friendly towards folks looking to sell. (At least in my experiences...)
Yes they tend to sell for less, but you can still find people who look for items of interest for display purposes, presentations or to add to a topical collection. Depending on the actual subject matter you might still have buyers. Autographed covers do well. In other words, dont give up and just dump them!! You never know what people will buy!! I have always been able to sell stuff..... stuff I didn't think would sell. It takes time.
P.S. Dont forget digital sales points either.....