USA postage stamp year 1888 / 10c Webster MNH
That is a classic U.S. definitive issue! The stamp
That is an excellent stamp from the period known as the Bank Note Issues.
While the Daniel Webster portrait did appear on 10-cent stamps of this era, the most famous 10-cent Webster stamp was formally issued in 1890, not 1888. However, 1888 is the tail end of the general period when these stamps were in use, and there was also a Special Delivery stamp issued in 1888.
Let’s look at the two most relevant stamps:
1. 🇺🇸 Daniel Webster Portrait (Scott #226)
This is the stamp that features the portrait of Daniel Webster (1782–1852), a famous American statesman and orator.
- Catalogue Number: Scott #226
- Official Issue Date: February 22, 1890 (often collected with the previous Bank Note series which ended in 1888)
- Denomination: 10 Cents
- Color: Green
- Series: 1890–1893 Regular Issue (part of the Second Series of designs printed by the American Bank Note Company).
Collector’s Value (Scott #226)
The value of this stamp is moderate and highly dependent on its condition:
| Condition | Approximate Retail Value (USD) |
| Used | $4.50 – $11.00 |
| Unused/Mint (Hinged) | $125.00 – $250.00 |
| Mint Never Hinged (MNH) | $250.00+ |
2. 🇺🇸 Special Delivery Stamp (Scott #E2)
The only regular issue stamp explicitly dated 1888 is a Special Delivery stamp, which features a running messenger.
- Catalogue Number: Scott #E2 (The ‘E’ denotes a Special Delivery stamp)
- Issue Date: September 6, 1888
- Denomination: 10 Cents
- Color: Blue
- Design: Messenger Running
Conclusion: It is highly likely you have the 10c Daniel Webster (Scott #226), which was issued in 1890 but often collected as part of the late 1880s period. If your stamp features a portrait of a statesman, it is the Webster stamp. If it features a messenger, it is the Special Delivery stamp.
