PCGS The Standard for the Rare Coin Industry

Expert Comments: There are now over 4000 sets in the PCGS Set Registry. They include many great sets; some of them the finest ever assembled for their series. Our job was to select the top five sets in three broad categories. It wasn't easy. We had to leave out some really great sets.

So before we present this year's award winners, we'd like to acknowledge a few of the sets that did not win an award.

To William Walser, who is all over the PCGS Set Registry with many top-notch sets.

To Dr. S.D., whose Barber Half Dollar set was not inducted into the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame because it was missing one coin (will someone please sell that man a 1909-S).

To EBL III, who won for his Proof Franklin halves but also has several other incredible sets in the Registry, including a Proof Kennedy half set with 100% Pop Tops.

To M.A. Alaura, who has a complete set of silver and gold Eagles in PR69DC.

To Bruce Scher for his incredible sets.

To the Heller, Michigan, and Steve Stokely collections of Roosevelt dimes.

To the hundreds of collectors whose sets we admire,

We say GREAT JOB… WE'RE IMPRESSED.

To determine the five best sets in three separate categories, three of our experts, Bruce Amspacher, Mike Sherman, and David Hall, looked at all of the top sets in the PCGS Registry. Our three experts compared notes and made the final determination. To determine our "PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame" inductees, we had the help and guidance of two more of our experts, Q. David Bowers and John Dannreuther. Here's what our experts thought. Please note that sets are listed in PCGS number, i.e., denomination, order.

Five Best Classic Sets (1792-1964) of 2002

High Desert - Complete U.S. Type Set (1792-1964)
The granddaddy of all type sets is the complete 1792 to 1964 set with all types including gold. The High Desert set is truly spectacular. Even the super rare early issues are in top condition.

Stewart Blay - Lincoln Cents with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1909-1958)
The Stewart Blay Lincoln Cent collection is probably the finest set of Lincoln Cents ever assembled. It is certainly one of the best U.S. coin sets in the PCGS Set Registry.

Tom McCarroll - Buffalo Nickels, Circulation Strikes (1913-1938)
Tom McCarroll has been working on his Buffalo Nickel set for a long time, and no one can argue with the results. His set is the finest we have ever seen or heard of. Nearly all of his coins are "Pop Tops," the finest graded by PCGS. And many numerous important coins are not only the finest graded, they are unique in their grade.

Legend Collection - Trade Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1873-1878)
Anyone who has "Tradedollarnut" at the front of his email address has to be taken seriously, and without question, this is the finest set of circulation strike Trade Dollars ever put together. All 18 coins are the finest graded by PCGS, and an incredible 13 of the 18 are unique for the grade. This is an awesome numismatic accomplishment. Note that the Legend Proof Trade Dollar set is also an all-time great.

The Heller Collection - Silver Commemoratives, 144 Piece Mintmark & Variety Set (1892-1954)
This is the number one set currently registered, and the number one set registered of all-time. It is probably the finest silver commemorative set ever assembled. There are many, many "Pop Tops," and all of the power coins are as good as they get.

Five Best Modern Sets (1950 to date) of 2002

The Corso Collection - Jefferson Nickels, Circulation Strikes (1938-1964)
A spectacular collection of a very tough set. There are many, many Pop Tops and the rare varieties are also included.

JFS Set 1 - Franklin Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1948-1963)
This is without a doubt, the finest set of Mint State Franklins ever assembled. Virtually every coin is a Pop Top. Interestingly, this collector also has a "JFS-Set 2", which is the number two Franklin set in the Registry.

EBL III Collection - Franklin Half Dollars, Proofs (1950-1963)
The finest set of Proof Franklins in existence. Fifteen of the sixteen coins are unimproveable Pop Tops. The set includes the two varieties.

Richard Green Collection - Kennedy Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1964 to present)
This is a lengthy set and the Green collection blows away all others. Virtually every coin is a Pop Top and many are Pop 1 and Pop 2.

Pittsburgh Collector - Modern Commemoratives, Circulation Strikes (1982 to Present)
This complete set of modern commemoratives features an astonishing 43 out of 49 coins that grade MS70. The set is rated a full half point higher than the nearest competitor.

Best Set Registry Newcomers of 2002

A Quarter Collection - Washington Quarters Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1932-1964)
It's always interesting when a newcomer registers a very high ranking set. In this case, the newcomer registered in one of the most competitive areas of all, and the set registered was number one of all-time!

Ally Collection - Walking Liberty Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1916-1947)
A great addition to the PCGS Set Registry. Every coin, including the power dates, is MS65 or better, and there are lots of MS66s and MS67s. Second only to Jack Lee all-time.

California - Peace Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1921-1935)
This is a marvelous set of low pops and Pop Tops. It's one of the very finest Peace dollar sets ever assembled.

The Sunnywood Collection - Indian Head $2 1/2, Circulation Strikes (1908-1929)
This beautiful set was a pleasant surprise to us all when first registered. Stunning quality and lots of Pop Tops. This is not an easy set to complete in superb condition.

David-John Silver and Golden Dream - American Eagles Complete Set, Circulation Strikes (1986 to Present)
A complete set of silver and gold Eagles, with every coin graded MS69. The only all MS69 Set registered.

Best of the Registry Certificate Winners of 2002