荣誉会员奖
HOF
The criteria for entry into the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame includes set popularity, difficulty, grade average, completion percentage, domination, and degree of competition within the set category.
Being inducted into the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed to the greatest collectors of all time. This year, we introduce four numismatists past and present whose collections were matched in excellence only by the contributions each of these individuals have made to our hobby. The following elite class of collectors have left indelible imprints on numismatics and built some of the finest cabinets known.
PCGS CoinFacts Coin Dealer Hall of Fame »
2020 Inductees
Complete U.S. Coin Collections
Bob Simpson - The founder of XTO Energy and billionaire co-chairman of the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team has scored numerous numismatic home runs during his lifetime. He has owned some of the finest rarities known within numismatics including such treasures as the PCGS PR66 1894-S Barber Dime, which sold in 2020 for $1.5 million. Yet, the bulk of his collection has proven a demonstrable survey of the entire spectrum of United States coinage, with specimens ranging from early Federal coinage through pre-1933 United States gold coins and well beyond. Simpson has built dozens of PCGS Registry Sets ranging the gamut of U.S. coins, including #1 sets incorporating Early Half Dimes, Morgan Dollar Patterns and Die Trials, Indian Head $5 Half Eagles, Barber patterns, and much more.
Specialized Area Collections
William Sumner Appleton - Born in Boston in 1874, Appleton grew up with an appreciation for the history around him in his native Massachusetts. His love of art and antiques extended into numismatics, and he became one of the hobby’s major collectors during the 19th century. One of his notable acquisitions was the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, which was bequeathed to the Massachusetts Historical Society along with the rest of his collection in 1905; that specimen of the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar was eventually sold to collectors Reed Hawn and later David Queller. Boasting a pedigree that also includes the name of the original owner Joseph J. Mickley, the coin was graded by PCGS as PR62. Appleton, whose articles are frequently encountered in numismatic journals to this day, died in 1947, and remains a major influence on the hobby today.
Del Bland - A true collector’s collector, Bland studied the classics and particularly early American coppers. After serving in the Korean War, he became an active buyer, seller, and collector of United States coins. He specialized in Colonial Coppers and U.S. Large Cents. Turning his love for numismatics into a full-time career, Del became a trusted authority in his field and was an expert on the countless varieties of Large Cents. Passing away in 2018 at the age of 84 years old, Bland left a legacy as one of the premier experts in Large Cents whose published research would continue benefiting numismatists for generations to come.
World Coin Collections
Sun Keqin - One of the foremost experts in Chinese coinage, Sun Keqin has authored books, published articles, and presented seminars on all facets of modern circulating coins from China. He has also appeared as an expert on China’s CCTV Financial Securities Channel, holds positions as the executive director for the Beijing Numismatic Society, and serves as an academic committee member for the Shanghai Finance University’s Modern Coin Institute. Keqin also founded Coin001, a website dedicated to the research and promotion of modern circulating Chinese coins. Sun became a collector in 1990 and ventured into commemorative coins, milled silver coins, modern silver, modern gold coins, and modern banknotes. In more recent years, he has focused his efforts on the vast realm of proof circulating coins. A renowned authority on Chinese coins, Keqin is also an accomplished collector, having built some of the finest PCGS Registry Sets of Chinese coins, including a People’s Republic of China Commemoratives Complete Set, Circulation Strikes (1984-Present); People’s Republic of China Commemoratives Complete Set, Specimen (1985-2005); People’s Republic of China Commemoratives Complete Set, Proof (1984-Present); and People’s Republic of China Old Three Flowers, Proof (1991-2000).
Honored Members
Complete U.S. Coin Collections
D.L. Hansen Collection (2018) - U.S. Coins Complete Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1792-present)
While Dell Loy Hansen is a relative newcomer to the hobby, his accomplishments to date mark him as one of the giants of the hobby. In the short span of a little over two years, he has assembled the largest and most comprehensive collection of U.S. coins since Louis Eliasberg, and with today’s eye for quality in the market, he could be well on his way to forming the greatest collection of U.S. coins ever.
William Cutler Atwater (2003)
Can you even imagine a 1793 Wreath cent in PCGS MS68RD? This is but one of the coins that highlighted the marvelous collection of William Cutler Atwater. B. Max Mehl sold his collection in 1946 and the catalog still makes great reading today, even though the prices realized will make you yearn for a time machine. Both the 1884 and 1885 Trade dollars from the Eliasberg collection traced their pedigrees to Mr. Atwater's collection, as do many of the other most significant coins of today.
F.C.C. Boyd (2002)
His holdings were billed as the "World's Greatest Collection" when they were sold in 1945-46. If you see the pedigree WGC it refers to this magnificent collection. It took five different auctions to disperse the coins and that was after hundreds of significant pieces were sold by private treaty. Today the Eliasberg collection is considered the world's greatest, but Boyd's is still high on the list.
Virgil Brand (2002)
The Brand collection was one of the finest of all time. Money was not a problem for this beer magnate, so he bought everything that he wanted. Some historians regard his holdings as more of a "hoard" than a collection; regardless, the Brand hoard/collection was filled with treasures. The sale of the collection began in 1928 and continued for many decades. Q. David Bowers wrote a superb book on Brand and his family: Virgil Brand: The Man and his Era. To view the All-Time Finest sets listed in the Registry, click here.
George H. Clapp (2014)
George Hubbard Clapp was born in 1858 and died in 1940. In numismatic circles, he is most famous for his reference books on U.S. Large Cents and the massive variety collection of U.S. Large Cents he donated to the American Numismatic Society (promised in 1937 and finally delivered in 1946). Outside of numismatics, Clapp is best-known as one of the founders of ALCOA (Aluminum Company of America). George Clapp has been listed incorrectly as John M. Clapp’s younger son, but George has no direct connection to the remarkable coin collection formed by John M. Clapp, later willed to his son, John H. Clapp, which later formed the core of Louis Eliasberg, Sr,’s collection. George obtained many of his Large Cents from his younger brother, Charles E. Clapp, who obtained them by private treaty from the Col. James W. Ellsworth collection in 1923. A year later, because of financial difficulties, Charles E. sold his Large Cents to his older brother, George, who built on and expanded the collection. Clapp’s collection was complete by the collectible varieties later defined by Dr. William H. Sheldon and his name appears consistently among the owners of many of the very best Large Cents.
Clapp Family Collection (2012)
The Clapp Family Collection is one of the
William Dunham (2002)
When the famed financier J. P. Morgan found out that William Dunham had an 1822 $5 gold piece, he dispatched his agent to buy it. The offer was $35,000, which in those pre-income-tax days was a tremendous fortune. Dunham turned down the offer. When asked why, Dunham answered, "My coins are my life." The B. Max Mehl catalog of the Dunham collection is over 60 years old but it's still a numismatic classic. To view the All-Time Finest sets listed in the Registry, click here.
Louis Eliasberg, Sr. (2002)
This man is to coins what Babe Ruth is to baseball. Louis Eliasberg built a complete collection of United States coins. Every denomination, every date
King Farouk (2010)
King Farouk was more of “volume” collector, to say the least. Only Virgil Brand had more coins, and Colonel Green may have had as many. Farouk actually bought the Colonel Green gold coin collection (or the nicest part of it), a virtually complete set on U.S. gold coins. He also had silver and copper. And he had an amazing number of patterns, including Judd 1776, the unique $20 Indian gold pattern, and
Garrett Family (2002)
The headline in Coin World said: "Garrett bidders pull no punches" while the subhead read "Simply no superlatives adequate." That was certainly the case when Bowers & Ruddy Galleries auctioned the Garrett family collection in four dynamic and diverse parts (1979-81). T. Harrison Garrett and his sons John Work Garrett and Robert Garrett formed this outstanding collection. It was given to Johns Hopkins University in 1942 and sold nearly four decades later. To view the All-Time Finest sets listed in the Registry, click here.
Colonel Edward H. R. Green (2004)
Colonel Green was the son of Hetty Green, the infamous and miserly "Witch of Wall Street." After his mother died, he spent her money as passionately as she had hoarded it. He had an incredible collection of both coins and stamps and was known to buy entire dealer inventories of both. He had many of the greatest rarites such as the 1804 dollar and 1838-O half dollar and at one time he all five 1913 Liberty nickels. He was as much a hoarder as a collector. He had over 200 1796 quarters. His fantastic collection was valued at over $1.2 million in 1939, a staggering figure for the time.
Waldo Newcomer (2004)
Waldo Newcomer is (was) a very underrated collector. This is probably due to the fact that his collection was not auctioned as a collection, but was purchased intact by B. Max Mehl and sold by Mehl at various auctions over the ten year period of 1932 to 1941. The Newcomer collection intact was about as great as any collection ever. He virtually had all of the greatest rarities including the 1804 dollar, 1873-CC no arrows dime, 1838-O half, 1894-S dime, 1885 Trade dollar, 1854-S $5 and on and on. He had two Brasher Doubloons. He had early gold coins by the die variety. He had one of the best territorial gold collections ever assembled. This is definitely one of the greatest coin collections of all-time.
Norweb Family (2002)
The Norweb family gave their 1913 Liberty nickel to the National Collection (Smithsonian) and their Brasher Doubloon and many other rarities to the American Numismatic Society (ANS). Even so, there were plenty of top-quality treasures still available when Bowers & Merena Galleries auctioned a large segment of the collection in 1987-88. This collection was an amazing assemblage of extremely rare coins in remarkable condition. To view the All-Time Finest sets listed in the Registry, click here.
Lorin G. Parmelee (2003)
What do the following coins have in common? The 1792 Pattern cent from the Norweb collection. The 1783 Nova Constellatio Patterns from the Garrett collection. The 1804 silver dollar from the Byron Reed collection. The 1802 half dime from the Dunham and Pittman collections. The 1844-O $10 gold piece in PCGS Branch Mint Proof 64. They all trace their pedigree to the fabulous collection of Lorin G. Parmelee! Mr. Parmelee's holdings were sold in 1890 but the catalog is still a classic today-a wish list of numismatic dreams that this visionary collector made into a 19th-century reality.
John Jay Pittman (2005)
John Jay Pittman specialized in Proof United States coinage and esoteric rarities in the Canadian series. Although Mr. Pittman was not wealthy by any standard, he carefully and slowly assembled one of the most valuable collections of all time. After his death, his coins were auctioned off in three sales by David Akers, realizing more than $30 million for the entire collection. His early Proof gold coins were stunning, his world coins were spectacular, and his eye for quality was way ahead of its time. In fact, he was so shrewd in his collecting that he realized a greater return on his investment than any collector in the history of numismatics. To view the All-Time Finest sets listed in the Registry, click here.
Specialized Area Collections
John Story Jenks (2019) - Early American Colonials
Few American collectors have amassed a larger or more impressive set of coins than John Story Jenks of Philadelphia, who between 1850 and 1920 built a truly legendary collection of U.S. and World coins. The 7300 lot sale was conducted by Henry Chapman in mid-December of 1921 and spanned ten days. In fact, the U.S. portion of the sale did not even begin until the 9th day of the auction. The entire sale brought slightly over $60,000 – an amazing total for the period – with many pieces selling in the mid-three figure range. Jenks was an active member of the Philadelphia community and devoted much of his life to charitable and philanthropic work.
James A. Stack, Sr. (2019) - Patterns, Early American Proof Coins and Pioneer Gold
James A. Stack, Sr. was a collector of substantial means and discrimination who was active in numismatics from the late 1930s until his death in 1951. He acquired many rarities and “finest known” coins by taking full advantage of the opportunities presented to him as great collections came onto the market. He owned an 1894-S Dime, a 1798 Small Eagle $5, an 1870-S Silver Dollar, an 1838-O Half Dollar, and hundreds of other U.S. coins including condition-rarities, pattern coins, early Proof coins, and Pioneer
Thomas Cleneay (2019) - 19th Century American Gold and Civil War Tokens
Thomas Cleneay was among the first and most ambitious coin collectors in America. He started collecting in the 1840s and, over the next four decades, he built one of the finest and most complete collections of his time. In each year from 1859 to 1888, Cleneay purchased Proof sets from the Philadelphia Mint, including complete sets of gold, silver, and minor coins. In addition, he pursued
Amon Carter (2018) - Silver Dollars, Gold, Territorial Gold
While Amon Carter never limited himself to one series, his collection of Silver Dollars, U.S. Gold and Territorial Gold will not be equaled for some time. As a former owner of the Cardinal-Legend 1794 Specimen Dollar, the Adams-Allen 1804 Silver Dollar, an 1870-S Dollar, the Proof Trade Dollars of 1884 and 1885, a complete set of four Stellas plus the Quintuple Stella, nearly complete runs of Early U.S. Gold coins and no fewer than 31 “Slugs” ($50 Gold Territorial Coins), Mr. Carter’s place in numismatic history is well established.
Bernard Edison (R. Tettenhorst) (2018) - U.S. Half Cents
Bernard Edison (better known in numismatic circles as “R. Tennenhorst” formed the Missouri Cabinet of U.S. Half Cents over many years. It stands today as one of the finest sets of these coins ever assembled. His contribution to the field of Early Copper cannot be overstated.
Dr. Edward Maris (2018) - N.J. State Coppers
Born in 1832 near Chester Pennsylvania, Dr. Edward Maris was known by copper collectors as "The Quaker Physician." In 1869 he authored a pamphlet on the "Varieties of Copper Issues of the U.S. Mint in the Year 1794" assigning colorful names to many of the obverse varieties that are still occasionally used by collectors. He is however best known for his 1881 work on the coins of New Jersey. He died in 1900, and his collection was sold by the Chapman Brothers.
Howard R. Newcomb (2018) - Large Cents
Howard Newcomb was born in Detroit in 1877 and joined the ANA in 1893 at the age of 15, even serving as host for their 1913 Convention in Detroit. While his collecting interests extended to many series, he is best known for his work on large cents. After publishing a work on the cents of 1801-1803 in 1925, he wrote the standard reference for large cents, United States Copper Cents 1816-1857. While it was ready for publication in 1938 it was delayed until 1944 due to World War II. Newcomb died the following year, and his cent collection was sold shortly thereafter.
Donald Groves
A well-known name among collectors, Donald
Harry W. Bass (2002) - Gold Coins
It all started with a roll of 1955-D quarters. Harry Bass obtained a roll from his bank at face value in 1955 at the request of a friend. When the friend sold the roll for ten times face in 1965, Mr. Bass was hooked. He bought his first coin (an 1803 $10 gold piece) the same year and in the next 33
George Clapp (2016) - Early Cents
George Hubbard Clapp was born in 1858 and died in 1940. In numismatic circles, he is most famous for his reference books on U.S. Large Cents and the massive variety collection of U.S. Large Cents he donated to the American Numismatic Society (promised in 1937 and finally delivered in 1946). Outside of numismatics, Clapp is best-known as one of the founders of ALCOA (Aluminum Company of America). George Clapp has been listed incorrectly as John M. Clapp’s younger son, but George has no direct connection to the remarkable coin collection formed by John M. Clapp, later willed to his son, John H. Clapp, which later formed the core of Louis Eliasberg, Sr,’s collection. George obtained many of his Large Cents from his younger brother, Charles E. Clapp, who obtained them by private treaty from the Col. James W. Ellsworth collection in 1923. A year later, because of financial difficulties, Charles E. sold his Large Cents to his older brother, George, who built on and expanded the collection. Clapp’s collection was complete by the collectible varieties later defined by Dr. William H. Sheldon and his name appears consistently among the owners of many of the very best Large Cents.
Clifford-Kagin (2006) - Collection of Territorial Gold Coins
Henry Clifford collected Territorial Gold coins for 30 years. He put together a fabulous collection featuring 121 pieces which included many great rarities. In 1974, at the Summer ANA convention, Clifford sold his collection intact to Art and Don Kagin. Art and Don held the collection for many years. In 1980, at the auction sale of the Garrett collection, Don and Art added about a dozen additional rarities to the Clifford collection. The result was hands down the greatest Territorial Gold coin collection ever assembled. The collection remained intact until the early 1990s when it was sold piece by piece.
Louis Eliasberg (2005) - Ten Most Famous United States Ultra Rarities
The measure of a great collection is the number of Ultra-Rarities it contains. These are generally the most difficult coins to obtain because of their high value and immense rarity. However, just having the money to purchase them is not enough. Timing is important, as is having great connections within the coin industry. So, in late 2004, we developed a list of what many consider to be the Ten Most Famous Coins, then went out to see who did the best job of acquiring them. The clear winner was Louis Eliasberg, the only collector in history to own all ten coins. Be sure to check out the other participants in this category, including old-time collections and current collectors who (unbelievably and admirably) are actually attempting to complete this set!
ESM (2010) - U.S. Half Cents & Cents Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-present)
An absolutely incredible collection and a monumental task…every U.S.
John J. Ford (2008)
John Ford was one of the most knowledgeable numismatists of all time. He was a dealer, collector, and numismatic researcher extraordinaire. His collection consisted of Territorials, Colonial coinage, early Federal patterns
Eugene Gardner (2016) - Seated Liberty Coins
Eugene Gardner was an aggressive collector of U.S. silver coins, with a particular emphasis on the Seated Liberty series. Heritage sold his collection of more than 3,000 coins in four separate auctions in 2014 and 2015, setting many records along the way. The total prices realized for his four auction was an astounding $52.8 million. Most of Gene’s coins were among the finest of their type and many were, indeed, the very best. He was a student of the different series he collected and, in an unusual move, Heritage integrated his personal notes into the catalog description of each coin. Sadly, Gene passed away on July 16, 2016, but not before he was able to oversee the orderly disposal of his beloved coins. He will be long remembered for his eye for quality, his willingness to “stretch” for the right coins, for his accomplishments as a collector, and, of course, for the incredible collection he built.
Jimmy Hayes (2003) - U.S. Type Set
Putting together a Gem type set of U.S. coins is a big challenge. Between 1962 and when his collection was sold by Stack's in 1985, Jimmy Hayes did every type collector even one better...he put together a complete set of Gem Mint State type coins (including gold) in which every coin was the first year of issue for the type. This is one of the greatest specialized collecting feats in numismatic history and the Hayes type set was arguably the finest ever assembled.
Dan Holmes (2014) - Large Cents with Major Varieties (With the four Ultra Rarities), Circulation Strikes (1793-1814)
Among the great names for contemporary collectors of early copper is Daniel Holmes, who from 1974 through the early 2000s, assembled one of the finest collections of Large Cents ever. A major variety set for early Cents must surely be one of the greatest challenges in numismatics, as it contains no fewer than four great rarities; the Strawberry Leaf Wreath Cent,
Josiah K. Lilly Family (2016) - Gold Coins
When one thinks of the Lilly Collection, one immediately thinks of gold coins. The formation of the Lilly Collection began in
Jim McGuigan (2004) - Half Cent Collection
Half Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857)
Half Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1831-1857)
The Jim McGuigan set of half cents is one of the great specialized collections of all-time. The circulation strikes are extraordinary quality and very complete, both the basic and with varieties sets. The proofs are off-the-chart in terms of quality. Spend some time looking at this great collection. This is how it's supposed to be done.
Ted Naftzger (2002) - Large Cents with Major Varieties (With the four Ultra Rarities), Circulation Strikes (1793-1857)
The Naftzger collection is considered to be the greatest collection of Large Cents ever assembled. The focus was on the coins of 1793 through 1814. One of the great Large Cent sales in history was the Naftzger sale by New Netherlands Coin Company in 1973-and that was just the "extras" of his collection! There were also two major Large Cent sales in the 1950s that were composed of Mr. Naftzger's extras. The nucleus of this greatest-of-the-great collection was sold in 1992 and included the famed 1793 Chain Cent known as "The Coin!" Other treasures included the Atwater 1793 Wreath Cent that PCGS certified as MS68RD. Mr. Naftzger also assembled a major gold collection that included Judd-1776, the most famous and most valuable of all of the gold Patterns. Mr. Naftzger has avidly collected coins since the 1930s and still does so today.
Will W. Neal (2016) - Ten Most Famous United States Ultra Rarities
Will Neil’s collection of U.S. coins was sold in 1947 by B. Max Mehl, the flamboyant dealer from Texas. The catalog of the sale, replete with seven of our Ten Most Famous U.S. Rarities, was rated "A+" by
Eric P. Newman (2013)
Eric Newman’s fame in the coin industry is well-established and spans decades. As a writer, researcher, and collector, Newman has contributed much to the body of numismatic knowledge. With Ken Bressett, Newman finally cracked the mystery of the 1804 Silver Dollars and told us the true story of when, how, and why they were made. His book on U.S. Colonial Paper Money is the standard reference for the series. His involvement with the 1913 Liberty Nickels and the Col. E.H.R. Green Estate is the stuff of legends. Recently, Newman achieved the landmark age of 102 and has begun selling coins from the numismatic foundation he established. Quite a few of his coins have already set price records.
D. Brent Pogue (2015)- Early Federal Coinage 1792-1839
Mention the word “quality” and the Pogue Collection comes to mind immediately. Mention the word “rarity” and the Pogue Collection comes to mind. Mention the words “extreme value” and…you get the picture. This collection, built over decades by a father and son team, if the finest collection of early United States coins ever assembled – EVER! As of this writing, the coins are being dispersed at auction and we look forward to more record-breaking results. It is doubtful if a collection of this caliber will ever be assembled again.
James Bennett Pryor (2003) - Half Dollars
James Bennett Pryor specialized in half dollars...and he succeeded in putting together a virtually complete, spectacular quality set of United States half dollars. He even had not one, but three, of the
Jay Roe (2010) - Small Denomination Gold Collection
One of the greatest Cal Gold sets of all-time. It is virtually complete and included Period One, Two, and Three coins. Jay Roe was also monumental in researching this classic series. He was one of the most knowledgeable Cal Gold experts of all-time. His collection was sold by Bowers and Merena in 2005, and the catalog is now one of the standard references in the field.
Bob Simpson (2015) - U.S. Patterns
When Bob Simpson turns his attention to a coin series, watch out. Mr. Simpson has just about every cool pattern ever issued (aren’t they all cool, one might ask?) and he is constantly upgrading an improving his collection. Aided by Legend Numismatics, Mr. Simpson has put together the finest collection of U.S. Patterns ever assembled. No other collection has ever had the depth, breadth, and quality of the Simpson Collection. 1792 Patterns, the complete 1872 Amazonian gold pattern set, the Morgan 1877 Half Dollar Patterns, complete 1879 and 1880 Stella Patterns in all metals, you name it…Mr. Simpson has it.
Ed Trompeter (2002) - Proof Gold
After a career in the US Navy, Ed Trompeter purchased a small electronics plant and set out to build the world's greatest collection of Proof gold coins. In addition to the spectacular quality of the
Twin Leaf Collection (2016) - Large Cents
Jack Wadlington is famous for his extensive collection of
Dr. John Wilkison (2002) - Gold Patterns
If it's a great gold Pattern, it probably came from the Wilkison collection. It's a major numismatic accomplishment to own just one unique coin in a lifetime, but Mr. Wilkison owned many of them. Included in the collection was the famed Judd-1776, a $20 gold Pattern by Augustus St. Gaudens. In a recent survey by PCGS, collectors chose this as the greatest coin of all time, beating out
Individual Sets
Mitchell J. Spivack (Wondercoin) (2018) - Top 100 Modern Coins
This set has some of the best if not the best coins in the modern era. There are a number of coins in this set that many collectors have dreamed of such as the 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Cent, the No S Proof coins, the Cheerios Dollar, the Wisconsin Extra leaf quarters, the mysterious 1964 Special Mint Sets and numerous popular Doubled Die coins. This set is one of the most exciting sets, if not the most
David T. Miller and C. Ash Harrison (DT Miller by Ashmore) (2018) - Morgan Dollars Prooflike with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
(Note that the award includes 3 sub-sets in this collection which are ranked #1.)
Back for its ninth annual Best Classic Award, the Miller-Harrison set of Prooflike Morgans is the result of a collaborative effort of an eager collector and an aggressive dealer, which illustrates the importance of getting the right help when building your collection. The end product is the finest collection of Prooflike Morgan Dollars ever assembled. As great as this set is, the owner/dealer will take any opportunity to improve the set, so we expect this set to improve and become even more important in the future. We noted a great deal of progress in the past year and the Prooflike Only with Major Varieties set is now 100% complete, with a Weighted GPA of 66.41 and with 92.31% of the Prooflikes DMPLs.
J & L 144 Complete Set (2018) - Silver Commemoratives 144 Piece Mintmark & Variety Set, Circulation Strikes (1892-1954)
J&L’s complete 144-piece set of Classic Commemoratives has captured the No. 1 rank in the All-Time Finest set for the third year in a row! With over 28 absolute finest
Subway Tokens (2018) - Commemoratives Complete Set, Circulation Strikes and Proof (1892-present)
We’re all familiar with the traditional 50 and 144-piece sets of U.S. commemoratives from 1892 to 1954, but here is a massive 424-piece set encompassing every U.S. commemorative issued to the present day! In 2017, the Pan Pac Octagonal was added, completing this comprehensive set, and giving it a weighted GPA of 68.87. Including over 300 “finest knowns,” this is an outstanding
Atherton Family Collection (2010) - Indian Head $2-1/2 Gold, Circulation Strikes (1908-1929)
The Atherton Family collection, sold by Heritage in their
Tom Bender (2011) - $3 Gold Basic Set, Proof (1854-1889)
Another new set, taking away both a Gold Star award as well as a Hall of Fame win in its first year! And no wonder…. With a Set Rating of 66.27 and a completion rate of 100%, it’s a
Stewart Blay (2003) - Lincoln Cent Collection 1909-1958
The Stewart Blay 1909-1958 Lincoln set is one of the great accomplishments in the realm of 20th Century coin collecting. Circulation strikes, proofs, and varieties...the finest of the finest. And the ultimate Lincoln cent collection is not done yet, as Stewart is still very actively pursuing pieces to improve his already all-time great collection.
Jeff Browning (2002) - Liberty Head $20 Liberties, Circulation Strikes (1850-1907)
The Jeff Browning collection of circulation strikes was the finest ever assembled. It even ranks higher than both the Eliasberg and Smithsonian collections. Jeff Browning loved the series and his passion translated into a monumental set.
California I (2006) - Morgan and Peace Dollar Collection
Morgan Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
Peace Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1921-1935)
Richard DiCicco (2002) - Standing Liberty FH Quarters Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1916-1930)
The Richard DiCicco Standing Liberty quarter set was the finest of all-time at the time of induction into the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame. While the set has since been sold, it remains one of the greatest of all-time. All of the
The Castle Collection (2012) - Indian Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1859-1909)
How about starting off with a 100% complete set of Indian cents, with varieties, in an average grade of 67.48? If this is a start, where does it finish? Thirty-six coins in this set are already un-improvable. Kudos to “The Castle Collection.” A well deserved third award and an induction into the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame this year!
DRG (2007) - Susan B. Anthony Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1979-1981, 1999)
Total and complete perfection is the only way to describe the DRG set of circulation strike Susan B. Anthony dollars. There are seven MS67s and five MS68s, and all twelve coins are the finest graded by PCGS. Two of the coins, the 1979-P and 1981-S are unique for the grade. SBA dollars are plentiful in average condition but many of the issues are quite rare in the highest grade. DRG started his collection in 1994 and searched through literally hundreds of thousands of coins to find the Gems in his collection. This collection is the result of a lot of work and a lot of passion.
Dr. Steven L. Duckor (2003) - Barber Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1892-1915)
Dr. Steven Duckor's Barber half dollar set has been decades in the making. The coins are literally the cream of all the great sets and singles that have come on to the market in the past 20 years. The Duckor Barber half dollar set is finer than the monumental Dr. Thaine Price set and even finer than the Eliasberg/Clapp set. Most of the coins are in unimprovable quality.
EBL III (2002) - Franklin Half Dollars with Varieties, Proof (1950-1963)
A set of virtual perfection. Fifteen of the sixteen coins are unimprovable Pop Tops and all sixteen coins are Deep Cameos. This is a truly spectacular set.
ErasmusHall (2017) - 1936-Present Mint Set
Now requiring 1,214 coins, completion of this set is a collecting accomplishment few can match. This is not to mention that the set now boasts a set rating of 67.98, a tiny uptick from last year. ErasmusHall has proven to be a dedicated collector with an eye for
Erasmus Hall (2015) - 1968-Present Proof Set
The Erasmus Hall Collection has won so many awards over the past ten years, that there is only one award left to give - the Hall of Fame Award. Justly deserving, this collection is a modern collectors dream. This set is not only 100% complete,
Gerald Forsythe (2005) - Buffalo Nickel Collection (1913-1938)
Buffalo Nickels Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1913-1938)
Buffalo Nickels, Proof (1913-1937)
Certain levels of achievement deserve special recognition, and Gerald Forsythe has definitely reached that level. His set of Buffalo Nickels is simply amazing. Without repeating our comments under Gerald's "Best Classic Set of 2005" award, suffice it to say that this world-class collection will be remembered for a long, long time.
Gerald Forsythe (2017) - Mercury Dimes FB with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1916-1945)
After having conquered Buffalo Nickels, Gerald has moved on to Mercury Dimes, and what an effort! Including varieties, the set is 100% complete and all sport Full Bands. This yields an astounding set rating of 69.66. If that’s not enough, look at it this way: Of the 80 coins in the set, 47 have a pop higher of zero! And these include the 16-D and the 21-D! A finer set would be difficult to imagine, much less put together. A well-deserved entry into the Hall of Fame.
Gerald Forsythe (2016) - Walking Liberty Half Dollar Collection
Walking Liberty Half Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1916-1947)
Walking Liberty Half Dollars, Proof (1936-1942)
Gerald Forsythe has built remarkable collections of Buffalo Nickels and Walking Liberty Half Dollars, but it is the latter collection for which he is honored here. Since 2009, Mr. Forsythe has been atop the leader board for the Walking Liberty Half Dollars with Major Varieties. This is an incredible achievement considering
The G B W Collection (2007) - Walking Liberty Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1916-1947)
The complete Walker set is not only one of the most important sets of the 20th Century,
Richard Green Collection (2004) - Kennedy Half Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1964 to present)
The Richard Green set of Kennedy half dollars is a masterpiece of modern coin collecting. The quality of every coin is outstanding and the overall quality is simply incredible. These coins are very difficult to locate this nice and Mr. Green certainly must have turned over every possible stone to find them.
Richard Groman (2016) - Liberty Nickels Basic Set, Proof (1883-1912)
This is one of our old standby sets. It has won an annual award ever since it was first registered in 2002 and, beginning in 2010, it started picking up annual gold awards for completion and quality. This is the sixth gold award for this remarkable set. Currently, the Groman collection is 100% complete, it has the highest percentage of Deep Cameos (29.03), and the highest weighted GPA of all time (68.25). With several unique Top Pops under his belt, Mr. Groman should be able to enjoy his position in the top spot for years to come.
The Heller Collection (2002) - Silver Commemoratives, Circulation Strikes (1892-1954)
At the time of
High Desert (2011) - Complete U.S. Type Set (1792-1964)
The High Desert collection continues its dominance of the type set category and receives its tenth consecutive award. This complete collection has superb quality coins, as its 64.6 average certainly attests. Trying to increase such a
The Thomas Irwin Collection (2009) - Lincoln Cent Collection (1909-Present)
Lincoln Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present)
Lincoln Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1909-Present)
The Thomas Irwin Collection is one of the finest collections of Lincoln Cents ever assembled. Every date in Mint State and Proof, virtually every major variety, and all in superb condition. The true measure of this set is the huge number of zeroes in the Pop Higher column! Seldom does a set of coins burst onto the scene (in this case the PCGS Set Registry) and immediately receive a Hall of Fame recognition.
JFS (2002) - Franklin Half Dollars FBL, Circulation Strikes (1948-1963)
The finest set of all-time.
Oliver Jung - The Type Set (2017) - Complete U.S. Type Set (1792-1964)
There are few collecting goals that U.S. numismatists aspire to more than a complete type set of U.S. coins. And no one has done it better than Oliver Jung! Not the incredible High Desert Collection (Hall of Fame set and LONG time registry winner), not Louis Eliasberg and not even D. L Hansen has assembled a better set. With a set rating of 66.61, it’s almost within a point of the theoretical maximum. The early copper is amazing, with MS66 and 67RB examples of most of the
Joshua II (2002) - Mercury Dimes FB with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1916-1945)
This is the finest set of Mercury dimes ever assembled. Virtually every coin is a Pop Top. The late dates feature MS68FBs galore and the early power dates are spectacular. This is one of the most important 20th Century series and the Joshua II collection is the ultimate representative.
Just Having Fun! (2004) - Standing Liberty Quarters, Circulation Strikes (1916-1930)
The Standing Liberty quarter is one of the most beautiful coins of the 20th or any Century. But this is a short-lived set and the coins are much rarer as a group than their contemporary brother and sister denominations. There have been several incredible sets built and registered over the past few years. The Just having Fun! set is the best of all-time. Take some time to browse thru the coin listing of this fantastic set. This set is truly amazing.
Just Having Fun (2012) - Shield Nickel Collection (1866-1883)
Shield Nickels Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1866-1883)
Shield Nickels with Major Varieties, Proof (1866-1883)
Every single coin in the Mint State set (Set rating of 66.19) is a Top Pop, including two coins that are unique for the grade. Hence, at present, it is unimprovable. That's quite an accomplishment in a series where there is a lot of enthusiasm and competition. The proofs have only two coins graded higher (1870 & 71) making the owner of these two sets TWO coins away from having the finest set of Shield Nickels, both Mint State and Proof, that can be assembled. This is the sixth Best Classic award for these outstanding sets of Shield Nickels which is why the set is being inducted into the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame.
Don Kutz (2017) - Indian Head $2-1/2 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1908-1929)
Donald A. Kutz’s collection of quarter eagles is simply fantastic.
Jack Lee (2002) - Morgan Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
This is the undisputed all-time greatest set of Morgan dollars. In fact, it is one of the finest individual sets of United States coins ever assembled. It contains more than the 97 required coins; in fact, there are 175 coins in the set, not counting the proofs. Of those 175 coins (mint state and proof-like and deep mirror proof-like) there are 172 that qualify as the finest graded or tied for the finest graded. An incredible accomplishment combining unprecedented patience, dedication, and resources. Highlights of the Jack Lee Collection are an 1884-S graded MS68, the famous Wayne Miller 1886-O graded MS67DMPL, the Eliasberg 1889-CC graded MS68, the Norweb 1893-S graded MS67, an 1896-O graded MS66, an 1896-S graded an unbelievable MS69, and literally every other coin in the collection.
The Law Collection (2007) - Three Cent Nickels, Circulation Strikes (1865-1889)
This incredible set is in virtually perfect condition. There are 22 of the 23 coins that are the highest graded by PCGS. There are six coins that are not only the highest graded by PCGS,
Legend Collection (2002) - Trade Dollar Collection (1873-1885)
Trade Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1873-1878)
The circulation strikes are the finest of all-time (by a billion miles), the proofs, which have since been sold, were the finest set of all-time, and the Chop mark set is the finest of all-time. Not only is every coin in the circulation strike set a Pop Top,
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Legend Collection (2004) - Liberty Seated Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1840-1873)
This set is so nice and the coins are so rare in the condition they are in that it is almost impossible to imagine the existence of this set. This is the only all Mint State set of Liberty Seated dollars ever assembled. All Liberty Seated dollars are rare in Choice condition and many are rare in any condition. This is what the Hall of Fame is about...a set so
Dr. Charles Link (2014) - Capped Bust Half Dollars by Overton All Varieties and Die States, Circulation Strikes (1807-1836)
This set receives our highest honor this year with its induction into the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame. With a daunting 610 coins needed for completion this
Tom McCarroll (2002) - Buffalo Nickels Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1913-1938)
The Tom McCarroll Buffalo Nickel collection is the finest of all-time. We have never seen nor heard of anything that comes close. Nearly all of his coins are
The Missouri Cabinet (2013) - Half Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes
This complete collection of Half Cents with varieties in both MS and Proof is one that won’t be matched for some time. New this year to the Registry, it carries a rating of 62.27 and to lend some idea of how high that really is, in the entire set, there are only 8 coins in existence that could improve it. That’s all dates, all grades. 89 of the 93 coins show a “pop higher” figure of 0. Need we say more?
Once upon a time, in the not too distant past, Bruce Morelan corralled your editor for a private viewing of this collection (minus
David Poole (2012) - Three Cent Nickels with Major Varieties, Proof (1865-1889)
With an average grade of 67.94, it’s tough to imagine a better set. In fact, EVERY coin in the set except for two has a Pop Higher of “0”. An eighth consecutive award for an amazing accomplishment and induction into the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame this year.
Bruce Scher (2004) - Three Cent Nickel Collection (1865-1889)
Three Cent Nickels Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1865-1889)
Three Cent Nickels with Major Varieties, Proof (1865-1889)
The Bruce Scher sets of Three Cent Nickels are virtually unimprovable. This collection features the best of the best...coin after coin. There are many, many pop Tops, and many unique-for-the-grade coins in this collection. Some Three Cent Nickels are easier to get in super grades, some are not so easy, and some are really rare. The Bruce Scher collection has them all!
Bruce Scher (2005) - Barber Series Complete Set, Proof (1892-1915)
Although this set has been retired, it clearly deserves Hall of Fame status. Bruce achieved 100% completion of this 72 coin set and came tantalizingly close to reaching a perfect score. Loaded with Cameos, Deep Cameos, Proof 67's and Proof 68's, this is a set for the ages.
Bruce Scher (2012) - Silver Commemoratives 144 Piece Mintmark Variety Set, Circulation Strikes (1892-1954)
The Bruce Scher complete144 piece silver commemorative set is quite simply the finest ever assembled. The quality is uniformly spectacular. Many of the coins are the highest ever graded, and quite a few are unique for their grade. This is one of the most avidly collected series in U.S. numismatics and Set Registry competition is fierce. The Scher set stands above all others as the finest silver commemorative set of all-time.
James Sego JMS Coins (2005) - Eisenhower Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1971-1978)
Ike Dollars are James Sego's passion, but he goes way beyond the requirements for participation in the PCGS Set Registry competition by including coins that we don't even list. How about a 1974-D struck on a 40% silver planchet! Already cited for a "Best Modern Set of 2005" Award, his sets are inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition for their superb quality and the evident enjoyment that they bring to their owner.
Bob Simpson (2011) - Lincoln Cents Off-Metal Strikes, Circulation Strikes (1943-1944)
This is a phenomenal set of coins, put together by the super-collector "Simpson" (who also owns the finest set of U.S. Patterns, $10 Indians, Half Dimes, and so much more). Simpson's Off-Metal Lincoln Cent Set includes six coins that everyone dreams of owning: 1943 Bronze Cent, 1943-D Bronze Cent (UNIQUE!), 1943-S Bronze Cent, 1944 Steel Cent, 1944-D Steel Cent, and 1944-S Steel Cent. No one in numismatic history has ever completed this short, but very sweet, set.
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Bob Simpson (2010) - Indian Head $10 Gold, Circulation Strikes (1907-1933)
There have been many great sets of $10 Indians built over the years and the Simpson set is quite simply the best of all-time, and not by a small margin. This set surpasses, Kruthoffer, Duckor, O’Neil, Kutasi, and Price, great sets all. The Simpson set has many “Pop one none higher” coins, including the 1907 Rolled Edge in MS67+, the 1908-S in MS68+, the biggie of biggies 1933 in MS65+. It also has two of the most monumental coins in the series, the 1915-S in MS67 and the amazing 1920-S in MS67+. Though put together in a relatively short time, the Simpson $10 Indian set places the bar for this incredibly popular 20th Century gold series at the historically highest level ever.
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Bob Simpson (2016) - $4 Gold, Proof (1879-1880)
Super-collector Bob Simpson, who has excelled in so many areas of collecting, now owns the finest collections of $4 Stellas in the world. No one can match this accomplishment because of the unique Top Pop 1880 Coiled Hair Stella. It’s important to mention that Simpson also owns examples of most of the off-metal Stellas in all dates and types. PCGS had the honor of displaying this incredible collection of Stellas at the August 2015 American Numismatic Convention in Chicago, where it was well-received by hundreds of collectors.
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Bob Simpson (2016) - Amazonian Patterns - Gold (1872)
Thanks to his intense interest in United States Patterns, Bob Simpson owns the unique set of 1872 gold Amazonian patterns. This set includes one of each denomination: $1, $2.50, $3, $5, $10, and $20. The Amazonian set is one of the most revered and
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Sourdough ("End of the Trail" XI) (2016) - Morgan Dollars Basic Set, Low Ball (1878-1921)
Is there anything tougher than putting together a set of the finest Morgan Dollars? Yes, try putting together a set of the lowest-grade Morgan Dollars – all in Poor-1. To earn the lowest grade possible, a coin must be gradable (problem-free) and be worn almost completely smooth, with just enough details to be identifiable as to date and mintmark. The “End of the Trail” collection is a complete set of Morgan Dollars, all in Poor-1 condition. Twenty-one of the coins
Laura Sperber (Legend Collection) (2016) - Three Cent Silvers with Major Varieties and 1851, Proof (1851-1873)
The Legend Collection of With Varieties “
Mitchell J. Spivack (Wondercoin) (2012) - Washington Quarters with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1932-Present)
While a complete date and mintmark set of Washington Quarters in 67.18
Monte Weiner the BigMo Collection (2016) - Civil War Set with Gold (1861-1865)
We’ve seen some cool sets, but this one takes the cake. It takes a Big Mo to tackle this set because many of the coins are inherently rare, and when you add the condition levels found in this set, the rarity goes off the chart. Despite all the intense competition for U.S. coins, this set contains fifteen unique Top Pops, more than 10% of the total set. This is the second gold award for this remarkable collection and it is well-deserved.
World Coins
Sid and Alicia Belzberg (2003) - Collection of Canadian Coinage
The Belzberg collection of Canadian coins is one of the finest and most complete ever assembled. The set includes superb quality examples of both circulation strikes and specimens. The Belzberg collection also featured the great rarities of Canadian coin collecting.