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Twenty Best Classic Sets (1792 to 1964) of 2006

High Desert - Complete U.S. Type Set (1792-1964)
The High Desert collection continues its dominance of the type set category and receives its fifth consecutive award for its completion and high quality. This is an amazing set of U.S. coin types, 100% complete and with a weighted GPA of 63.81. There hasn’t been any change in the GPA over the past year and we can’t help but notice the rise of the second-place Swan Family collection (which is 99% complete and has a weighted GPA of 63.00). Keep an eye on these two as they battle for dominance in this category.

Jim McGuigan - Half Cent Collection (1793-1857)
Half Cents Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857)
Half Cents with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857)
Half Cents Basic Set, Proof (1831-1857)
Half Cents with Varieties, Proof (1831-1857)
Jim McGuigan has built one of the finest all-time collections of U.S. Half Cents. The grades of his 1793-1797 Half Cents are simply amazing: 1793 in MS-66BN, 1794 in MS-66BN, 1795 in MS-67BN, 1796 in MS-64RB, and 1797 in MS-64BN. The later dates are equally impressive. Jim is very active in the market and really chases down high-grade Half Cents, so we fully expect this collection to improve over the years (although Jim’s opportunities to upgrade will become fewer and fewer). This collection has won multiple awards, including a Hall of Fame recognition in 2004.

ESM - Half Cents, Proof (1831-1857)
Half Cents Basic Set, Proof (1831-1857)
Half Cents with Varieties, Proof (1831-1857)
Proof Half Cents are extremely rare, whether they are of the Classic Head type, the Proof-only 1840-1848 dates, or the elusive dates of the 1849-1857 era. ESM has built a wonderful collection that is 96% complete and is even more complete than the renowned McGuigan collection. Many of ESM’s coins sport great pedigrees: Eliasberg, Pittman, and Norweb. Many are the finest known for the date. Congratulations for this first win for the ESM collection.

Stewart Blay - Lincoln Cent Collection (1909-1958)
Lincoln Cents Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-1958)
Lincoln Cents with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1909-1958
Lincoln Cents, Matte Proof (1909-1916)
Lincoln Cents, Proof (1936-1942)
Lincoln Cents, Proof (1950-1958)
Lincoln Cents, Proof (1909-1958)
Stewart Blay continues his dominance of the Lincoln Head Cent categories. His aggressive pursuit of Top Pop coins keeps him in the winner’s circle year after year. Check out the stats - 100% complete, with weighted GPA's of over 68 on all but the 1936-1942 Proof set (which is an equally impressive 67.89). Even more incredible is the fact that Mr. Blay’s 1909-1958 set is all RED! This Hall of Fame set has won awards every year since 2002.

Just Having Fun - Shield Nickel Collection (1866-1883)
Shield Nickels Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1866-1883)
Shield Nickels, Proof (1866-1883)
Although a relative newcomer to these categories, Just Having Fun brings his incredible penchant for top quality coins to Shield Nickels. Both the Mint State and Proof sets are 100% complete and every single coin is a Top Pop. The Mint State set has a perfect GPA of 66.19 and all of the Proofs (except one) are Cameos (the 1866 and the 1876 are Deep Cameos). Two remarkable sets worthy of recognition in this year’s competition.

Gerald Forsythe - Buffalo Nickel Collection (1913-1938)
Buffalo Nickels Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1913-1938)
Buffalo Nickels Short Set, Circulation Strikes (1934-1938)
Buffalo Nickels, Proof (1913-1937)
Gerald Forsythe worked his way into first position in these two Buffalo Nickel categories in 2005 and remains there today. This is quite an accomplishment, especially considering the competition in this extremely popular series. A dozen of the coins in the Mint State set are the Finest Known and unique for the grade. Last year, Mr. Forsythe needed five coins to upgrade his Mint State set; apparently he added one last year and now needs only four. With the exception of the 1913 Type I, all of his Proofs are PR-68 or better!

The Law Collection - Barber Dime Collection (1892-1916)
Barber Dimes Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1892-1916)
Barber Dimes Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1892-1916)
Barber Dimes with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1892-1916)
Barber Dimes, Proof (1892-1915)
The Law Collection took top honors in the Barber Dime categories last year with an amazing GPA of 66.36 for the Basic Set and 66.33 for the With Varieties Set, making it the Finest Set of All Time. With a slight improvement in the overall GPA this year, the Law collection continues to dominate with just a slight edge over the collection built by the always aggressive Stewart Blay. Opportunites for either collector to improve their sets are few and far between, so it will be interesting to see how this slug-fest continues over the coming year.

Joshua II Collection - Mercury Dimes FB, Circulation Strikes (1916-1945)
Mercury Dimes FB Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1916-1945)
Mercury Dimes FB Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1916-1945)
Mercury Dimes FB with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1916-1945)
This is a stunning set of Finest Knowns, Pop Tops, and condition-rarities, with an overall GPA of over 69! To understand the significance of this collection, take a peek at the "Pop Higher" column, where virtually every number is a "0" (meaning that none have been graded finer). This Hall of Fame collection continues its dominance of the category for the fourth year in a row.

Driftwood - Twenty Cents Collection (1875-1878)
Twenty Cents, Circulation Strikes (1875-1876)
Twenty Cents with 76-CC, Circulation Strikes (1875-1876)
Twenty Cents with Branch Mint, Proof (1875-1878)
Twenty Cents Super Set (1875-1878)
This is a remarkable collection of twenty-cent pieces that includes all possible Mint State and Proof versions, including an MS-66 1876-CC and an 1875-S in Branch Mint PR-63. The Mint State version of this collection won a Set Registry Award last year and the Proof/Branch Mint collection has now won for the fourth year in a row. It's hard to beat a collection that's 100% complete AND in such high grade. The 1876-CC (from the Norweb Collection) is one of only two examples PCGS has graded in MS-66, with none finer. That coin alone reflects the intensity and commitment of this collector.

Just Having Fun! - Standing Liberty Quarters FH, Circulation Strikes (1916-1930)
Standing Liberty Quarters FH Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1916-1930)
Standing Liberty Quarters FH with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1916-1930)
We’re confused. Is it “Just Having Fun” or “Stomping On The Competition” (or both)? “Just Having Fun” belies the seriousness of this collector. These are Hall of Fame sets that retain their top rankings for the fourth year in a row. Only six of the coins in the basic set are improvable and only three Full Head coins are needed to make it 100% complete in the strike category. “Just Having Fun” also has a couple of interesting error coins that are not listed in the sets: a 50% off-center strike and a broadstruck 1919 with a Full Head!

David Poole - Washington Quarters, Circulation Strikes (1932-1964)
Washington Quarters Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1932-1964)
Washington Quarters with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1932-1964)
Congratulations to David Poole for becoming the new leader in these two hotly contested categories. Mr. Poole’s rise to supremacy illustrates the importance of communication, timing, and the camaraderie among the PCGS Set Registry. Mr. Poole let it be known that he was a serious contender in this area and he was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time when another collector, Craig Norris, decided to sell off some of his Top Pop Washington Quarters. Thus, in just over five years, Mr. Poole is now the “King of the Hill” among early Washington Quarter collectors.

Dr. and Mrs. Steven L. Duckor - Barber Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1892-1915)
Barber Half Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1892-1915)
Barber Half Dollars with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1892-1915)
This monster set of Barber Half Dollars has been a consistent award winner since 2002 and is also a Hall of Fame collection. PCGS had the pleasure of displaying the Duckors' stunning set of Half Dollars at the February 2005 Long Beach convention, alongside Dale Friend's and Dr. Peter Shireman's collections (currently, second and third finest, respectively). Just take a peek at the listing of the coins in this collection. Many of them are Top Pops and unique for the grade.

The Cajun Collection - Walking Liberty Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1916-1947)
Walking Liberty Half Dollars Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1916-1947)
Walking Liberty Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1916-1947)
The owner of this fabulous collection calls his date set “The finest set of Walkers in the World.” Who are we to argue, particularly after seeing the impressive listing of coins in this collection? This is the fourth consecutive win for this owner.

Legend Collection - Liberty Seated Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1840-1873)
Just as last year, we'll let the owner's comments speak for this remarkable collection: "The Legend Collection of Mint State Seated Dollars is the absolute finest ever completed. It's also the ONLY set ever completed in 100% uncirculated condition. It is highlighted by the James A. Stack specimen of the 1870-S, the finest of only 9 coins known. In addition, it contains such amazing rarities as the Starr 1844 and 1852, Norweb 1845 and 1850-O, Garrett 1848, Fairfield 1849, Hayes 1866, Stack 1871-CC, Austin 1872-CC and the Share 1873-CC." In 2006, the owner added PCGS TrueView^SM images of every coin in this set, giving us a chance to examine up close some of these incredible rarities. Now, you can enjoy them as well.

Legend Collection - Trade Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1873-1878)
The owner, TradeDollarNut, lives up to his name with this whopper of a Trade Dollar set. Not only is this set 100% complete, but the GPA is an astounding 65.85! Amazingly, this set contains TWO Trade Dollars in MS-68. Unless this owner decides to sell (sorry, he’s young and appears to be in good health) this set will remain unbeatable for years to come! It’s already a Hall of Famer and the recipient of five consecutive awards.

California I - Morgan Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
This amazing set of Morgan Silver Dollars wins its fifth consecutive award this year. Although the contents of this collection are private to the outside world, we, being the Keepers of the PCGS Set Registry, are able to peek in and see what’s there. While we can’t or won’t divulge specifics, we note a high percentage of Top Pop coins that are simply unimprovable, along with several coins that are incredible condition-rarities. Even the Variety set is 100% complete, indicating the resolve of this collector to be a consistent winner.

California I - Peace Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1921-1935)
Peace Dollars Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1921-1935)
Peace Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1921-1935)
As with the California I Morgan Dollar set, this group is listed privately. To give you a hint as to the exceptional quality of this set, we point out that only three coins need to be upgraded to make every coin a Top Pop! This five-time award winner has a GPA of 66.24, just shy of the perfect score of 66.30!

Donald Kutz (The California Collection) - Indian Head $2-1/2, Circulation Strikes (1908-1929)
This is the second consecutive win for this 100% complete collection of Indian Head Quarter Eagles. Each and every coin is an MS-65 or an MS-66, with many being unimprovable. The 1911-D is an amazing MS-66 and the weighted GPA is a whopping 65.57. This is a very popular type that is quite difficult to locate in high grade, so we have a lot of respect for what the owner has accomplished.

The Great Lakes Collection - $3 Gold No 1870-S, Circulation Strikes (1854-1889)
Our dealer friend, Larry Hanks, has been instrumental in building and maintaining this wonderful collection of Three Dollar Gold pieces. Many of the coins are Top Pop and/or unique for the grade (like the 1854-D in MS-62). A few years ago, your writer (Ron Guth) examined this collection in person and was amazed by the overall quality of the coins. This collection illustrates the value of having a good relationship with a qualified dealer, as they often have better access to the market and buying opportunities.

The Kutasi Collection - Indian Head $10, Circulation Strikes (1907-1933)
John Kutasi began working on this set in January 2004 and has since spent a lot of time, energy, and money to make it the number one set. PCGS displayed this set of $10 Indians at the February 2006 Long Beach show, where it received rave reviews from the collectors and dealers who stopped by to see it. According to collector himself: “This amazing GEM set is highlighted by what is probably the finest known 1913-S, the finest 1909-S and the famous Rolled Edge in MS67. The ultra rare 1933 is a "PQ" gem as are the elusive 1911-D, Wire Edge and exceedingly rare 1920-S. The entire set is illustrated with PCGS TrueView^SM images.

Twenty Best Modern Sets of 2006

The Modern Variety Man - Lincoln Cents with Varieties, Proof (1950-Present)
In 2005, the Modern Variety Man squeaked into first place in this category, where he maintains a slim lead over young numismatist, Cameron Stanley. The set listing is private, but we can tell you that many of the coins are Top Pops and several are unique for the grade. This is an incredibly tough and competitive set and it will be interesting to see if Modern Variety Man can maintain his lead.

Cameron Stanley - Lincoln Cents, Proof (1959-Present)
Lincoln Cents Basic Set, Proof (1959-Present)
Lincoln Cents With Varieties, Proof (1959-Present)
Cameron Stanley has built a wonderful set of Proof Lincoln Memorial Cents, fully complete and almost all of which are Deep Cameos. By itself, this is a remarkable accomplishment, but Cameron is only 14 years old! This is the third consecutive award for this special Young Numismatist!

The Corso Collection - Jefferson Nickel Variety Collection (1938-Present)
Jefferson Nickels FS with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1938-1964)
Jefferson Nickels FS with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1938-present)
Jefferson Nickels with Varieties, Proof (1938-present)
The Corso Collection of Jefferson Nickels is the Current and All-Time Finest set in the Mint State category, and has been for the last four years. Almost 90% of the coins in this set show Full Steps. Over the last year, Corso has regained the top position in the Proof category, after losing last year to DMH. Of the 69 Proofs in Corso’s complete set, over 84% are Deep Cameos. Keep up the good work!

Just Having Fun - Roosevelt Dimes FB, Circulation Strikes (1946-present)
Roosevelt Dimes FB Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1946-present)
Roosevelt Dimes FB, Circulation Strikes (1946-1964)
Roosevelt Dimes FB, Circulation Strikes (1965-Present)
For the second year in a row, Just Having Fun dominates these categories, albeit by a slim margin. The Mint State set is 100% complete and the 1946-1964 set contains 100% Full Bands. Even the 1965-Present set contains 81.48% Full Bands, which is quite an accomplishment. Surprisingly, almost all of the non-Full Band examples came from the Philadelphia Mint, where quality is normally the best. Don’t let this category fool you…it’s very difficult to find many of these coins in top condition.

EBL III Collection - Roosevelt Dimes, Proof (1950-1964)
The EBL III Collection wins again by combining 100% completion with a GPA of 70.84! The key to winning in this category is to obtain as many DCAM coins as possible, since those coins add desirable bonuses. In this case, EBL III has reached a level of 86.67% DCAM’s, the highest level ever accomplished by anyone. For all dates other than 1964, EBL III has the finest obtainable grade.

Mitchell J. Spivack (Wondercoin) - Washington Quarters, Circulation Strikes (1965-1998)
Mitch Spivack is a well-known dealer of high-end modern coins who has been instrumental in the building of many of the award-winning sets in the PCGS Set Registry. Every dealer has his favorite series and Mitch has a soft spot for Washington Quarters. These are some of the most difficult modern coins to find in top condition and the fact that Mitch has been able to reach an average grade of over 67 is simply incredible.

Donn Murphy Collection - Washington Statehood Quarters, Circulation Strikes (1999-Present)
Donn Murphy was an early winner in this category and has won five consecutive awards, the last two shared with Douglas Rall. New issues are coming onto the market for the next three years, so it will be interesting to see which collector has the perseverance, resources, and luck to ultimately win the battle. Of course, we wish the best of luck to both and applaud them for their efforts so far.

Douglas Rall - Washington Statehood Quarters, Circulation Strikes (1999-Present)
Last year, Douglas Rall shared top honors for this category with Donn Murphy. This year, the scores remain the same, with both collections coming in at a rock-solid 68.33 GPA. It’s going to be a tough battle, but one of these collectors is eventually going to break the tie. Which one will it be?

JFS - Franklin Half Dollars FBL, Circulation Strikes (1948-1963)
100% completion, 100% Full Bell Lines, and a GPA of 68.43 make this the All-Time Finest set of Franklin Half Dollars, a Hall of Fame set, and a winner of four Registry awards. In 2004, JFS lost the top position to a challenger, but roared back to first place the next year, and has never looked back. JFS needs but six, one-point upgrades to achieve perfection! His unique 1953-S MS-66 FL is the highlight of the set.

EBL III Collection - Franklin Half Dollars, Proof (1950-1963)
Franklin Half Dollars Basic Set, Proof (1950-1963)
Franklin Half Dollars with Varieties, Proof (1950-1963)
The EBL III Collection is a monster set of Deep Cameo Proof Franklins. The set has dominated the Basic category for the last five years and is a Hall of Fame Set. EBL III is a winner for the second year in a row in the With Varieties category and needs only one upgrade to reach a perfect score of 70.56.

Richard Green Collection - Kennedy Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1964 to Present)
Kennedy Half Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1964-Present)
Kennedy Half Dollars with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1964-Present)
Kennedy Half Dollars Silver Short Set, Circulation Strikes (1964-1970)
Richard Green’s Hall of Fame set wins its fourth consecutive award for its 100% completion and near-perfect quality. Most of his coins are in the highest possible condition and quite a few are unique for the grade, making his set unbeatable.

Kallenberg Collection - Kennedy Half Dollars, Proof (1964-Present)
Kennedy Half Dollars, Proof (1964-Present)
Kennedy Half Dollars Silver Short Set, Proof (1964-1970)
The Kallenberg collection is tied for All Time Finest and needs only one upgrade to seal the outcome. This set is positively dripping with PR-70’s and every coin is a Deep Cameo. Kallenberg attributes much of his success to other Set Registry members, including former category winner Edson Santos.

Phil Shattuck (PD Shad) - Kennedy Half Dollars Complete Set (1964-Present)
Phil Shattuck began collecting Kennedy Half Dollars in 1998, and became very serious about the series within the last two years. Now, the PD Shad collection is the number one set in the category. We’re particularly impressed by the appreciative attitude PD Shad has towards fellow collectors and the dealers who have helped to build the collection. In fact, “Thanks” is the most common word in the Owner’s Comments column!

James Sego JMS Coins - Eisenhower Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1971-1978)
Eisenhower Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1971-1978)
Eisenhower Dollars with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1971-1978)
James Sego has built the finest set of Eisenhower Dollars in existence and it has taken him 18 years to do it. PCGS has displayed this Hall of Fame set on two occasions, to the acclaim of all who have seen it. Mr. Sego does not limit himself to just the coins listed in the Set Registry, but he pursues avidly interesting Ike errors, such as the extremely rare, off-metal errors.

DRG - Susan B. Anthony Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1979-1981, 1999)
This set is pure perfection, with every coin being a Top Pop and completely unbeatable. Highlights include the unique-for-the-grades 1979-P and 1981-S, plus the low population 1979-S, 1980-P, and 1999-P. The owner of this set, who we’ve had the pleasure of meeting in person, began collecting in 1994 and claims to have searched through 70,000 1981-S SBAs to find his lone MS67!

CGC - Sacagawea Dollar Collection (2000-Present)
Sacagawea Dollars, Circulation Strikes (2000-Present)
Sacagawea Dollars, Proof (2000-Present)
The CGC collection of Sacagawea continues its dominance of the Mint State category for the fourth year in a row and will probably remain there thanks to its ownership of the unique MS-69 2002-D Millenium Set coin. However, the 2006 Sac Dollars have not been officially included yet, so there may be hope for other collectors.

Pittsburgh Collector - Modern Commemoratives, Circulation Strikes (1982-Present)
This set is chock full of high grade coins representing some of the most diverse and interesting designs on all of numismatics. The overall GPA is a mere two-hundredths of a point from a perfect score (and, coincidentally, a mere two-hundredths of a point above the next highest competitor). The Pittsburgh Collection takes home its fifth consecutive award and we expect this collector to be a strong contender in future awards.

Franco Soro (The Discovery Collection) - Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set (1986-present)
Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set, Circulation Strikes (1986-present)
Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set, Proof (1986-present)
Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set (1986-present)
The Discovery Collection is a significant set in that it contains each and every mintmark of each and every denomination in the American Eagle series. Just at face value alone, this collection represents a considerable investment, but the quality of the set makes it even more valuable. This is the first win for the Discovery Collection as it moves ahead of last year’s winner, GrivCoins. The weighted GPA is an astonishing 69.59 and very close a perfect score of 69.90.

Greg Rivers (GrivCoins) - Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set with First Strikes^TM (1986-present)
The PCGS First Strike Program has proven enormously popular with collectors and is an important addition to the Set Registry. However, it increases the number of coins collectors must purchase each year and increases dramatically the cost of completing a set of this scope. GrivCoins has risen to the challenge and has achieved 100% completion (316 coins) and a GPA of 69.04. This is a remarkable accomplishment that is worthy of recognition this year.

LS Brown Collection - 1968-Present Proof Set
This is the second year that the LS Brown collection of modern proof sets takes top honors in this category. Stats include 100% completion, 100% Deep Cameo, and a GPA of 70.19. There are very few coins that need to be upgraded in this set, but this is an aggressive collector who continues to pursue a goal of perfection. If anyone can do it, he can!

Ten Best Set Registry Newcomers of 2006

Dan Close (Close to Perfect) - Lincoln Cents Complete Set (1909-present)
Close to Perfect lives up to its name: it’s 100% complete and has an average grade of 68.18 (just shy of a “perfect” grade of 69.04). This is an extensive, amazing set that jumped right to the top of a field of competitors.

Richard Hennessy - Buffalo Nickels Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1913-1938)
Richard Hennessy is off to a great start with this remarkable date set of Buffalo Nickels. Now, this newcomer holds the All-Time and Current Finest positions and needs only four upgrades to reach a perfect score.

Kallenberg Collection - Washington Quarters, Proof (1936-present)
The Kallenberg Collection stormed this category by immediately becoming the Current Finest. With just a few improvements, this set will remain atop the rankings and has a good shot of becoming the best collection ever built, now that the All-Time Finest collection formed by Daniel Biddle has been retired.

Dale Friend - Capped Bust Half Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1807-1839)
Dale Friend is well-known for his remarkable set of Barber Half Dollars, but he has also formed a stunning collection of Bust Half Dollars. The average grade of the 33 coins in this set is 64.17 and includes mind-blowing coins like an MS-66 1809 and a unique Top Pop 1829. Dale prefers coins with original, colorful toning (which are not only the prettiest, but also the hardest to find).

California I - Morgan Dollar VAM Collection, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars Top 100 VAM Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars Top 100 plus Hot 50 VAM set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars Major VAM set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars Super Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
In 2005, PCGS began certifying VAM varieties under its new variety program. This collector, who has been collecting VAMs for many years, has a show-stopping collection that is important not only for its scope but its quality. We thank California I for entrusting us with his fabulous collection and we congratulate him for the tremendous effort he has put into building a set that is going to be very, very hard to beat.

David T. Miller and C. Ash Harrison (DT Miller by Ashmore) - Morgan Dollars Prooflike, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars Prooflike Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Morgan Dollars Prooflike with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
The DT Miller collection splashed onto the scene and move right into the top spot in both categories, easily becoming the All-Time Finest set in the With Varieties section. This is another set that, with a few improvements, has the opportunity of becoming the best set of Prooflike Dollars ever formed.

Superior Galleries - $4 Gold, Proof (1879-1880)
The $4 Stella is one of the most popular and sought-after of all American coins, ever since it was first proposed in 1879 as a coin for international commerce. There are only four coins in this set, but what coins they are. Two 1879’s that are barely improvable and two 1880’s that are both Top Pops. We’ll be displaying this set at the upcoming ANA convention in Denver, so please stop by to see this quartet of monster coins.

The Comer Collection - Complete Modern Commemoratives Set (1982-present)
Comer admits to having worked on this set since 1982, but it wasn’t until this year that we finally got to “see” it. And, what a set it is. Every one of the 189 coins in this set is either MS-69 or better or PR-69 or better! In addition, the owner has added images of each and every coin.

Franco Soro (The Discovery Collection) - Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set (1986-present)
Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set, Circulation Strikes (1986-present)
Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set, Proof (1986-present)
Silver, Gold & Platinum Eagles Complete Set (1986-present)
Also a winner for Best Modern Set this year, the Discovery Collection is a significant set in that it contains each and every mintmark of each and every denomination in the American Eagle series. Just at face value alone, this collection represents a considerable investment, but the quality of the set makes it even more valuable. This is the first win for the Discovery Collection as it moves ahead of last year’s winner, GrivCoins. The weighted GPA is an astonishing 69.59 and very close a perfect score of 69.90.

Legend Collection - Gobrecht Dollar Patterns Redbook Set (1836-1839)
This is an amazing set of Gobrecht Dollars that includes top-quality examples of issues meant for circulation and others meant as patterns for a new coinage. Four of the coins are unimprovable at this point and the fifth is bested by only one finer example. Three of the coins are Top Pops and unique for the grade. The owner of this set, TradeDollarNut is a silver dollar aficionado who pursues only the best and has been immensely successful in putting together one of the best sets of silver dollars in history.

Best British Set of 2006

Hornreich Collection - Gold Type Set, George IV (1820-1830)
This is a short (but impressive) set of British gold coins from the 1820’s. Actually, Hornreich’s name appears throughout the British gold sets, but this is the one for which he wins a Set Registry award. Many of these coins are extremely rare in high grade and with the current strength of the British market, it will become even more difficult to build and improve these sets.

Caranett - George V Sovereign Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1911-1932)
This set is a real surprise in the world coin section, not only for the fact that it is 100% complete, but because every single coin is in the highest possible grade. Thus, this is one of the few sets in any category (US or World) that has a perfect GPA. Nine of the coins are unique for the grade and many others have extremely low populations. We applaud the amount of time and effort it took to build this set and we hope it encourages others to follow suit.

Best Canadian Sets of 2006

Lantern Collection - Canadian Complete Type Set, Circulation Strikes (1858-1967)
This is the fourth consecutive win for this remarkable collection of Canadian type coins. The set is 100% complete, a feat which no other Set Registry participant has ever accomplished (including the remarkable Belzberg collection). The list of coins is impressive and several are Top Pops and unique for their grade. With a GPA of 64.45, this set is going to be hard to beat.

EGB Collection - Complete Gold Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-1914)
This classic set consists of all the sovereigns, $5, and $10 gold pieces issued by Canada up to and including 1919. EGB has really put a lot of effort into this set and moved into first place in 2005. The overall GPA of 63.78 is less than a point away from a perfect score of 64.54 and almost half of the coins are Top Pops.

Best Japanese Set of 2006

Ted Wydeven, Sr. (T&JW) - Japanese Gold Denomination Set (1870-1932)
Although this is a small set, it is surprisingly difficult to complete, especially in nice condition. T&JW have done a fine job of obtaining some top notch examples of these scarce Japanese coins and they should have no problem dominating this category for years to come.

Most Improved Set of 2006

The Monticello Collection - Jefferson Nickels FS Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1938-present)
This collector started his set just 13 months ago and has already moved into 12th place. With just six coins left for completion in this 156-coin set and over 85% of his Jefferson's graded Full Step, we are confident that in the year to come, the Monticello Collection will be giving the top sets in this category some serious competition.

Best Exhibted Sets of 2006

Gerry Fortin - Liberty Seated Dimes, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891)
Liberty Seated Dimes Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891)
Liberty Seated Dimes Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891)
Liberty Seated Dimes with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891)
Liberty Seated Dimes with Varieties and 1873-CC No Arrows, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891)
Gerry Fortin is the "Liberty Seated Dime man." He has a vast knowledge of the series and has put together an amazing collection. In the Registry, he has treated us with great photographs and descriptions of every coin. Viewing his sets are truly a learning experience.

Legend Collection - Liberty Seated Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1840-1873)
Seated coinage dominates the Best Exhibited Sets this year. The Legend Collection of Seated Dollars, a multiple-award winning and Hall of Fame set, is displayed with images from PCGS's incredible TrueView^SM Photography Service. The owner's comments include the pedigree and description of each coin. This is a wonderful display of a phenomenal set.

Best of the Registry Certificate Winners of 2006