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FDC Market Value

Analysis of 113,296 eBay listings for First Day Covers (FDCs).

What you'll usually pay

$21.11 typical price
Most are between$8$46
Brand new$13.2
Used$19.8
On sale now113,296

💡 Used ones cost about 50% more here.

👉 In short easy summary

The best value is found in Architecture and Aviation topics, which show price drops of 57% and 46% respectively. Conversely, First Day of Issue cancellation types are the only segment showing growth, with a 6% increase.

💚 Best value for your money

Architecture 1,580 on sale$8.99 · 57% cheaper
Gem 699 on sale$9.31 · 56% cheaper
Aviation 1,718 on sale$11.3 · 46% cheaper
Military, War 1,891 on sale$12.2 · 42% cheaper
VF (Very Fine) 2,098 on sale$12.14 · 42% cheaper

Price by topic

Architecture
$8.99-57%
Aviation
$11.3-46%
Military, War
$12.2-42%
Historical Events
$13.19-38%
Seasonal, Christmas
$15.88-25%
Royalty
$17.12-19%

Why? Prices vary by subject matter, with Royalty at 17.12 and Architecture at 8.99.

Price by grade

Gem
$9.31-56%
VF (Very Fine)
$12.14-42%
VG (Very Good)
$13.13-38%
XF/S (Extremely Fine/Superb)
$13.2-37%
Superb
$16.74-21%
Ungraded
$19.47-8%

Why? Condition impacts value, ranging from Superb at 16.74 to Gem at 9.31.

Price by year of issue

1971-1980
$13.13-38%
1981-1990
$13.2-37%
1991-2000
$15.46-27%
2011-Present
$15.84-25%
2001-2010
$19.73-7%
Unknown
$19.77-6%

Why? Issuance era affects pricing, with Unknown years at 19.77 and 1971-1980 at 13.13.

Price by cancellation type

Machine Cancel
$13.19-38%
Fancy Cancel
$13.27-37%
Slogan Cancel
$14.51-31%
Handstamped
$15.84-25%
Pictorial
$19.64-7%
First Day of Issue
$22.43+6%

Why? The method of cancellation drives cost, from First Day of Issue at 22.43 to Machine Cancel at 13.19.

🛒 Some on sale right now

Common questions

What is the median price for a new FDC?

The median price for new FDCs is 13.2.

Which FDC topic is currently the most affordable?

Architecture is the most affordable topic with a median price of 8.99.

How does the price of 'Superb' grade FDCs compare to 'Gem' grade?

Superb grade FDCs have a median price of 16.74, while Gem grade FDCs have a median price of 9.31.

How we got these numbers

Worked out from 200 live eBay listings (price range $8$46, odd outliers ignored). These are asking prices, so use them as a guide. Last checked June 29, 2026.