Glossary of philatelical terms

f

F.D.C.

First Day Cover: an envelope with newly issued stamp, postmarked on the first day of sale.

FACE VALUE

The monetary value of a stamp; usually it is indicated on the stamp surface.

FACIT

Specialized Scandinavian stamp catalog.

FAVOR CANCEL

A hand cancel applied as a favor by the post office to the collector.

FRACTIONAL STAMP

stamp cut (usually into halves) to obtain a corresponding fraction of the original face value. Common with old stamps or during war periods.