PCGS Set Registry Rules

Welcome to the PCGS Set Registry^®. Each series in the Registry is divided into two parts. The initial page lists the average grade, state of completion, and set rating of each set in two categories, All-Time Finest (ATF) and Current. The ATF contains both current and retired sets. The Current category contains only current sets. If the set is listed as "viewable," the second page displays each item registered in the set and, if added by the owner of the set, images and descriptions. Members may make their own comments about their sets. PCGS experts reserve the right to edit set names, comments, and coin descriptions.

All Time Finest and Current Sets

Each set listed as current is comprised of PCGS coins certified in accordance with our usual standards. A PCGS coin is defined as a coin CURRENTLY encased in a PCGS holder.

In order to list your set as current, you must own and have physical possession of the coins you are listing or be an agent with permission to represent a collection. (Possession may include items being held in your safe deposit box or items which you have consigned to auction.) A coin is not considered owned by you if you have sold it to another, regardless of buyback or return policies. Furthermore, this coin should be removed from your inventory and sets. If the same coin should return to your possession and you regain ownership, you then have the option to relist it in the registry.

You should retire a set from Current status when you have sold or broken up your set. To retire a set, simply delete the entire set and inventory in "My Sets." (Note that if you delete items from your set one by one, it will also reduce your ATF set completion.) If your set was at least 90% complete at the time of deletion, it will remain in the All Time Finest category and will be listed with a "viewable" status. If you still own the coins in a retired set that was 90% complete at the time of retirement and the set remains in the All Time Finest category, those same certification numbers cannot be re-used by you in a new set you may start in the same category. Should you wish to re-use those coins, please contact customer service first to delete the All Time Finest set from the Registry.

Removal Requests

Should you attempt to add an item and you receive a message telling you that the item is currently owned by another member, please submit a Removal Request by checking the appropriate box(es) on the notification and clicking the “Send Email” button. This will send an email and a notification to the current registered owner of the item asking that they release the item so that the new owner can add it. Your name will not be sent to the other member. Please allow three business days for the former owner to release the item. If, after three business days, the inventory item has not been removed, please submit personal, dated, images of the front and back of the item showing the full PCGS label and full PCGS holder. You can do so by clicking the Activity link within your Registry, then by clicking the “Upload” button directly next to the pending Removal Request. "Personal, dated" examples would be a picture of the item in front of today's newspaper showing the date or in front of the automated Removal Request email you received. Images taken from auction house websites, online sellers or cropped from other sources will not be accepted. Images must be clear, and all information must be legible. Blurry or unclear images will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to remove an item from your inventory prior to the three-business day requirement at our discretion. Items with an NFC chip will be automatically released if the new owner adds the item by tapping the NFC chip with their smart device. The item is automatically released and available for the new owner to add as they have the item in their physical possession. You have the option of “locking” your inventory for a limited amount of time, if your inventory is locked, an item within your inventory will not be automatically removed when the item is tapped by a device with an NFC chip reader. If you are exhibiting your items or you are selling them at a physical location, such as a collectible show, locking your inventory will allow your items to remain in your Registry even if someone taps the NFC chip. The “lock” will automatically be removed after the pre-set timeframe has expired.

Registry members are urged to delete their sets or items from the Registry soon after sets or items are sold in order to release the certification numbers for other members who may have purchased the items and wish to register them. If after 3 business days from receiving a Removal Request you have not deleted a sold item from your set(s) and inventory and your set is 90% complete or greater, your entire set will be retired. Contact Set Registry customer service to have your set reinstated to active.

You can track your submitted and received Removal Requests, along with other pending requests, by visiting your Activity page while logged in to your PCGS Set Registry.

PCGS Set Registry Set Definitions

The following are the collecting options for coin collections listed in the PCGS Set Registry. The first group of sets listed below is for those collectors who want to specialize in an individual series, such as Morgan dollar, Buffalo nickels, $20 St. Gaudens, etc. You pick the series or type of coin you want to collect, then use the definitions below to decide how simple or complex you want your collection to be, based on your numismatic desires and budget. The sets are listed with the simplest, i.e. least number of coins required, sets first.

• Date Set – The Date Set includes one coin for each year in the series. Any mintmark and any variety can be used as the “date” in your set. For example, a Morgan dollar Date Set could have an 1899-S, 1900-O/CC, and a 1901 for the 1899, 1900, and 1901 in the Date Set.
• Basic Set (Date and Mintmark) – The Basic Set includes one of each date and mintmark in the series. For the most of the Basic Sets, varieties can be used in place of a non-variety coin.
• Classic Set (Date, Mintmark, and Major Varieties) - The Classic Set includes one of each date, mintmark, and major variety, with the major varieties being those that have been recognized since the early 1970s. Examples of these long time recognized varieties would be the 3-legged Buffalo nickel, 1955 double die Lincoln cent, and the 1918/7-S Standing Liberty quarter. These sets are dated through 1964. The purpose of the Classic Set is to allow your current collection to be compared to the great collections of the past, such as the Louis Eliasberg collection, the only “complete” collection of U.S. coins ever assembled.
• Major Variety Set (Date, Mintmark, and Major Varieties) – The Major Variety Set includes one of each date, mintmark, and major variety currently recognized by PCGS. Major varieties are defined as coins that are easily recognized as having major differences from other coins of the same design, type, date, and mint. Generally, major varieties are significant and can be easily seen with the naked eye. And where there are various “states” to a variety, the major variety is the state which is considered the strongest by the collecting community. For example, there are three states, or types, for the 1936 Double Die Obverse Lincoln cent. Only the Type 1, the strongest and most apparent of the three states, is considered a major variety and is included in the PCGS Major Variety Set for Lincoln cents.

  Note that new varieties are recognized each year and the number of coins needed for a Major Variety Set may increase over time. Also note that it is possible for varieties to be “delisted,” i.e. removed from inclusion in the Major Variety set. Sometimes varieties are misattributed by the numismatic community. For example, for years the pricing guides listed an 1869/8 Indian cent. Experts now state that this is not a 9 over 8, but “recut 9,” or “9 over 9.’ This minor recutting is a much more common occurring variety and is not considered major.

• Complete Variety Set (Date, Mintmark, and all Varieties) – The Complete Variety Set includes one of each date, mintmark, and all major and minor varieties recognized by PCGS. Using the example of the 1936 Double Die Obverse Lincoln cent mentioned under the Major Variety Set above, for the Major Variety Set, only the Type One 1936 DDO cent is allowed in and necessary for the set. However, in the Complete Variety Set, all three types of 1936 DDO Lincoln cents are required for the set. Note that for early series, such as Large cents, Bust half dollars, Half cents, etc., the Complete Variety Set includes all die varieties as listed in the most recognized reference books.

Pre-PCGS All-Time Finest Sets

Many of the “All-time finest” sets are comprised of PCGS coins, while others predated PCGS and were made up of uncertified coins. For these pre-PCGS sets, the coins are listed as either "PCGS graded," "PCGS grade," "PCGS estimated grade," “Estimated grade,” or “Assumed grade” which are defined as follows:

• PCGS graded - This refers to a coin that was graded by PCGS prior to the auction sale of the collection, i.e. the coin was sold at the auction in a PCGS holder.
• PCGS grade - This refers to a coin that was graded by PCGS sometime after the auction sale of the collection. The coin may or may not still be in a PCGS holder.
• PCGS estimate grade - This refers to a coin that has not been submitted to PCGS for grading but has been examined by PCGS Graders and the "PCGS estimate grade" is what they believe the coin would most likely grade if submitted to PCGS for grading.
• Estimated grade - Estimated grades are used for great collections that were put together and/or sold before PCGS was in existence. The estimated grades are based on auction catalog notes of PCGS founders, all of whom attended many of the great auctions held in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and viewed the actual coins. The estimated grades are also derived from input from the PCGS Advisory Board. For older collections sold at auction prior to 1970, the estimated grade is a guess based on the cataloguer’s description.
• Assumed grade - Collecting proofs and circulation strikes separately has only been common practice for the past 25 years or so. Prior to that, collectors would mix proofs and circulation strikes, often having proofs for their Philadelphia mints and circulation strikes for their other mints. For some of the great collections we list, such as the Louis Eliasberg collection, we will add an "Assumed grade." This will allow you to more easily compare your sets with the great early collections. For the "Assumed grade" we always use the grade that would have been readily available to the collector at that time.

Genuine Only

Coins certified as genuine by PCGS but ungraded can be used in all competitive sets except for Low Ball. The grade for genuine-no grade coins will default to P01. PCGS sample coins which do not carry a unique certification number and are listed as "Genuine-PCGS Sample" in the PCGS Cert Verification do not qualify for set registration.

Mint Errors

PCGS grades some coins through the Mint Error program. These include coins such as planchet clips and off-metal strikings that have been unintentionally struck by the Mint. Before the Variety Attribution program was started in 2006, the Mint Error program also included intentionally struck coins many of which are Fivaz Stanton die varieties. Mint errors are designated by an "E" in front of the coin number on the PCGS holder insert. Mint errors can be added to "My Inventory" and the Collectors Showcase, but cannot be used in competitive sets. In order to be used in competitive sets, Mint Error "E" coins must be submitted for re-holdering under the Variety Attribution program at the prevailing additional fee.

Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), Gem Brilliant Uncirculated (GEM BU) and Other Non-Numerical Grades.

PCGS will grade coins without a numerical grade through its Bulk Grading Program. Some of these coins will have Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), Gem Brilliant Uncirculated (GEM BU) or Gem Proof on the insert of the coin's holder with no numerical grade listed. These coins can be used in competitive sets in the PCGS Set Registry; however, they will default to 01. These coins are not allowed into Low Ball sets. To be eligible for a higher rating within the Registry, these coins will need to be submitted to PCGS for Regrade. Click here for additional information on submitting to PCGS.

PCGS Plus (+) Grades

Coins that PCGS has graded with a plus (+) receive a .5 increase in the grade. In other words, a coin graded 65+ will be calculated as 65.5 in the Registry.

Everyman Sets

Everyman sets do not allow any coin with a grade higher than 58+. Allowable coins are graded 58+ or less and can be either circulation strike or proof.

Everyman Mint State Sets

Everyman sets do not allow any coin with a grade higher than 64. Allowable coins are graded 64 or less and can be either circulation strike or proof.

Young Numismatists

The PCGS Set Registry is designed for numismatists of all ages with a special Young Numismatists category established for kids. Coin collectors 17 years of age and younger are considered Young Numismatists (YN) in the Registry. Adult collectors are discouraged from building sets in the YN category, allowing only young collectors to compete. Sets listed in this category without the “YN” icon, will not be eligible for PCGS Set Registry awards or recognition. Young Numismatists should add the “YN” icon to their sets by going to “Preferences” in the dashboard and selecting “I am a Young Numismatist.” Once the preference is saved, all sets will display the YN icon.

PCGS-graded, CAC-stickered composites

Within the PCGS Set Registry, there are PCGS-graded, CAC-stickered specific composites. Only PCGS-graded coins with CAC stickers will be allowed into these composites. When adding coins to these sets, they will be cross checked against CAC's certification verification to ensure legitimacy. If you attempt to add a PCGS-graded, CAC-stickered coin to one of these composites and you are not able to do so, please email images of the front and back of the coin showing the full PCGS label and full PCGS holder to [email protected].

Buying and Selling Policy

The PCGS Set Registry is to be used to list collections of coins. By the sheer nature of the Registry, items listed are invariably bought and sold. However, using terminology such as "for sale or trade," "auction0207," or listing an item with a price is not permitted. The Registry is self-policing. Should you see an infraction of this policy, please report it to [email protected].

Grade Points, Set Ratings and Weighting

After each set is registered, its "Grade Points" are determined. In unweighted sets, the grade points are the average grade of the coins in the set, plus or minus bonuses or deductions (see below).

For weighted sets, the rarest coin in the set may have a weight of "10" and the most common coin will have a weight of "1." The grades are multiplied by the weights. That total is divided by the total number of coin weights. That gives the "Weighted Grade Point Average." The "Set Rating" is achieved by dividing the weighted grade sum by the total sum of the weights in the entire set. All sets are listed in order of their Set Rating.

PCGS may release certain promotions, giveaways, contests or other events in which special labels, pedigrees or designations are attributed to coins authenticated and graded in conjunction with the events. At the discretion of PCGS, the weights for coins associated with these events may be awarded bonus points outside of the guidelines outlined below.

Ties

Sets are date-stamped according to the first date they are submitted for publication. In case of a tie the set which reaches the number one spot with 100% completion first will remain in the number one spot regardless of the set's first validation date. The following logic is used:

1. Highest rating NOW
2. Highest rating EVER
3. Highest rating ever DATE

As an example:

1. Set #1 with the highest rating goes to the top slot.
2. If set #2 ties set #1's rating, then set #1 remains in the top slot regardless of the first or last published date.
3. If set #2 updates set to beat #1's rating, then #2 will take the top slot.
4. If set #1 ties #2, #2 remains in the top slot because that set achieves the highest rating first.

Points for Bonuses or Deductions

When considering the ranking of circulated struck Copper Coinage, Mercury Dimes, Roosevelt Dimes, Franklin Half Dollars, and Jefferson Nickels bonus points or deductions may apply for desirable designations such as Red Brown, Red, Full Band, Full Bell Lines, and Full Steps. Mercury Dimes designated "Full Bands” may receive 2 bonus points, for example. Depending on the set, coins with these desirable designations will receive bonus points or in some cases, coins will receive deductions if they do not have the designation. In every set where bonus points or deductions apply, the set composite will list the bonus points or deductions for the set.

For proof coinage, Red Brown Copper, Red Copper, Cameo and Deep Cameo designations may receive bonus points or non-Cameo and non-Deep Cameo coins may receive deductions. Top Pop coins also receive bonus points. Coins with populations of 1 and none graded higher receive 2 bonus points. Coins that are tied for the finest known, receive 1 bonus point. Should the populations change, the bonus points will be adjusted or removed. Not all set composites are eligible for Top Pop bonus points. The following table explains how the bonus points for certain categories and suffixes are calculated:

The calculation for bonuses or deductions is as follows:
(Grade + Bonus) x Weight
(Grade – Deduction) x Weight

Coins Minted During the Year

New coins minted during the year, such as Jefferson Nickels, Roosevelt Dimes, and American Eagles, will be added to set composites as optional coins beginning in February and throughout the year as they are minted. In January of the following year, these coins will be required as part of the set. This policy allows all registrants working on modern sets ample time to obtain coins released by the mint during the year.

Set Changes

The PCGS Set Registry is a work in progress. Occasionally, a coin in a set originally marked as "optional" may be changed to be included as part of the required coins or vice versa. Also, coins may be added or subtracted from a set. These changes may affect a registrant's overall GPA and rating. PCGS reserves the right to make changes with or without the consent of participating members.

Online Registration is Free

There are no fees to register your set. Simply log-on, add your PCGS-graded inventory, and start your set(s). Customer Service is available to answer any questions you may have. If you do not have access to a computer we will be glad to enter your coins for you for a minimal data entry fee. Please contact [email protected] for more information on this service.

Set Registry Achievement Program

How It Works

In January 2019, the Set Registry Achievement program was introduced.

This new program is based on the concept of “Gamification”. Gamification is the application of common gameplay elements to non-gaming scenarios. Put another way, it is a way of turning something that is not a game into a game.

But isn’t the Set Registry already a game?

Yes, in many ways, it is. You are competing with your fellow collectors for the best sets. The Registry also includes typical game elements like scoring, standings and rules of play.

But we want to make it even more fun by adding gameplay elements to more than just the traditional adding of coins to sets. We want to challenge and reward you even more.

Before this program, you were awarded only when you reached the pinnacle of a set, by way of our annual Registry awards. With this new program, our goal is to reward you for some of the other milestones you achieve as you build your collection.

To do this, we have identified four components of the Registry, and within those components, associated actions:

• Completion: Actions related to adding inventory and completing sets
• Competition: Actions related to outranking your opponents
• Collection: Actions related to use of Set Registry website or app features
• Community: Actions related to connecting with fellow collectors on the Registry

When you complete one of the actions within a category, you will be rewarded with a medal and you will accumulate points. Medals and points are shown on the Registry dashboard and will be publicly viewable, so collectors can compare points and medals. This will add another layer of competition within the Registry.

Let’s start with an example. One of the actions within the “Completion” category is to create a set within the Registry. You can do this by browsing our available sets and clicking “Start this Set.” Once you’ve started a set, and added your first coin to that set, you will receive a notification that you have earned a medal and 20 points. The medal and the points will appear on your Dashboard and on your Achievements page. Each time you achieve a new medal, it will be added to your list of achievements.

For our initial roll out, there were 28 distinct actions, divided across the 4 previously mentioned categories, that allow you to earn medals and points as part of the Registry Achievements Program.

Leaderboard

As we continue to update the Achievements Program, we will continue to add medals, achievements and new fun capabilities to the Registry. In the second round of Achievement updates, in addition to the new achievements, we’ve added a leaderboard widget to the Set Registry Dashboard. This new leaderboard will track and display your ranking compared to the members directly above and below your current rank. If you click on the “Achievement Leaderboard” link above your ranking, you will be able to see where all PCGS Set Registry members rank within the overall leaderboard. Clicking the “Find Me” button hovering in the lower right corner of the main leaderboard will show you exactly where you rank compared to all PCGS Set Registry members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get anything tangible for my medals, like grading vouchers or credits?
We will be adding tangible rewards in the future, after we roll out the program more fully.

What if I tie with another member?
It is possible for members to be tied for points. In this case, members will be ranked in order of date/time that the point total was amassed. In the event of a tie involving points earned on the same date, ranking will be determined based on member seniority. For example, if member A and member B accumulate the same amount of points on the same day, the member with the longest history on the PCGS Set Registry will take the top slot, until the closest-ranking member breaks the tie in points and re-establishes the lead.

Is my Set Registry history factored into the Achievement scoring?
Yes! Your existing Set Registry activity is grandfathered into your dashboard. If you’re experiencing issues, email [email protected].

Can I turn this off?
While there is no way to turn off the Set Registry Achievements program, if you would like to skip the updates shown on the Set Registry Dashboard, we suggest you bookmark your preferred Set Registry page (Sets, Inventory) in your web browser.