In philately, the term cover pertains to the outside of an envelope or package with an address, typically with postage stamps that have been cancelled and is a term generally used among stamp and postal history collectors. The term does not include the contents of the letter or package, although they may add interest to the item if still present. Cover collecting plays an important role in postal history as many covers bear stamps, postmarks and other markings along with names and addresses all of which help to place a cover at a given time and place in history.
1856 cover posted in New York City with three 1-cent stamps affixed
AAT cover commemorating the opening of a post office in 1959
Philately is the study of postage stamps and postal history. It also refers to the collection and appreciation of stamps and other philatelic products. While closely associated with stamp collecting and the study of postage, it is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps. For instance, the stamps being studied may be very rare or reside only in museums.
The Penny Red was used in the UK for many years (1841–1879), and comes in hundreds of variations which are subject to detailed study by philatelists.
Zeppelin mail from Gibraltar to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil via Berlin on the Christmas flight (12th South American flight) of 1934
1960 Soviet stamp marking Collectors' Day: "Philately serves the friendship of peoples."
A large stamp show (philatelic exhibition) at which collectors and dealers meet