2026 NGC Registry Awards Honor Some of the World's Finest Collections
Posted on 8/27/2026
The NGC Registry continues to grow as one of the world's premier destinations for competitive numismatics, bringing together collectors who share a passion for building, studying, and displaying exceptional collections. Free to all NGC-certified coin owners, the Registry allows participants to showcase their collections, compete for top rankings, and connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the globe.
Now home to more than 45,000 collectors, the NGC Registry includes more than 440,000 registered sets encompassing more than 2.1 million certified coins. This remarkable community continues to expand each year, and with it, the quality of the collections. In recognition of that achievement, NGC is pleased to present 50 Registry Awards for 2026, accompanied by more than $30,000 in prizes. As the Registry has grown, so too have both the caliber of the winning collections and the awards themselves, making this year's competition the strongest yet.
This year's winners demonstrate the extraordinary breadth of modern Registry collecting. From legendary collections of classic rarities to innovative Custom Sets, beautifully researched presentations, and world-class modern issues, the awards celebrate the many different ways collectors pursue excellence. Some winners assembled virtually unimprovable collections over decades, while others introduced ambitious new sets that immediately rose to the top of highly competitive categories.
One of the most rewarding stories of this year's competition was the number of longtime Registry participants receiving their first Major Awards. Several collectors who have quietly contributed to the Registry for 10, 15, and even 20 years captured Best New Set honors by introducing outstanding collections that reflected decades of patient acquisition and careful study. Their success is a reminder that the Registry is not simply about competition — it is about sharing a lifelong passion for numismatics with a worldwide community of collectors.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 NGC Registry Award winners, and thank you to every collector whose dedication, scholarship, and enthusiasm continue to make the NGC Registry an extraordinary resource for the hobby.
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David W. Lange Overall Achievement Award
The David W. Lange Overall Achievement Award recognizes collectors whose sustained commitment, scholarship, and competitive excellence have made a lasting impact on the NGC Registry. Named in honor of David W. Lange, whose passion for numismatic research and education helped shape the Registry from its earliest years, the award celebrates not simply remarkable collections, but years of dedication to building, refining, and sharing them with the collecting community.
As the name suggests, Ultra Cameo Collection is devoted to Proof coinage exhibiting the dramatic black-and-white contrast that defines the coveted Ultra Cameo designation. That passion is reflected throughout an extraordinary Registry portfolio centered on United States Proof coinage, particularly the cents and nickels of the mid-20th century, when true Ultra Cameo examples first began to appear. These coins remain among the rarest and most sought-after Proof issues of the era, making competition at the top of the Registry especially intense.
Over more than 15 years of dedicated participation, Ultra Cameo Collection has earned an astonishing 692 Top Ranked Set Awards while building a collection totaling 589,174 Registry points across 767 coins. With 84 percent of the coins illustrated and 89 percent accompanied by detailed descriptions, the collection serves as both an exceptional competitive achievement and an educational resource. Most telling of all, the pursuit continues unabated, with new additions appearing even after this year's Registry Awards deadline. That enduring enthusiasm and relentless pursuit of excellence embody the spirit of the David W. Lange Overall Achievement Award.
The Registry celebrates persistence every bit as much as perfection, and few collectors exemplify that ideal better than Mercury Project. For well more than a decade, this dedicated collector has quietly assembled an impressive Registry portfolio totaling 438,912 points, ranking among the Registry's leading participants while remaining steadfastly focused on a carefully chosen specialty.
The centerpiece is Mercury Project Jefferson Nickels, a complete circulation-issue Jefferson Nickel collection that first appeared in the Registry in 2012, and this year finally achieved the coveted No. 1 ranking. That accomplishment reflects years of patient refinement and unwavering commitment. As Mercury Project explains: "With every coin, I strive not just for completeness but for the finest quality available — each nickel selected with precision, each one telling a story of pursuit and progress. This is not just about filling holes — it's about elevating each space to its highest potential." Few statements better capture the philosophy behind the Registry.
Few collectors have shaped a specialty within the Registry as profoundly as P.R.C.C. With more than 3.5 million Registry points — currently ranking eighth overall — spread across 1,131 coins, P.R.C.C. has built one of the Registry's most remarkable portfolios while maintaining an extraordinary average of more than 3,100 points per coin.
What makes this achievement especially impressive is its singular focus on one of American numismatics' most challenging fields: the gold coinage of the New Orleans Mint. Active from 1839 through 1909, the New Orleans facility produced many of the greatest rarities in United States coinage, and P.R.C.C. has devoted decades to documenting and preserving that legacy. Today, the collector manages 37 Registry sets dedicated to New Orleans gold, including three of the top four complete collections in the category — Anita's Southern Gold Collection, Dane Collection, and New Orleans Cajun Collection. Through the depth and quality of these collections, P.R.C.C. has transformed the Registry into an indispensable reference for collectors of New Orleans gold, exemplifying the scholarship, sustained commitment, and leadership recognized by the David W. Lange Overall Achievement Award.
Best Classic Sets
RUDMAN* PF'S* - Rudman Coleccion
Few collectors have shaped a specialty as thoroughly as Isaac Rudman has shaped the collecting of Dominican Republic coinage. A perennial Registry award winner, Rudman once again claims top honors with this extraordinary complete set of Dominican Republic Proof coinage, 1877 to date, which has occupied the No. 1 position for the past seven years. As if that were not enough, he also owns the second-, third-, and fifth-ranked collections in the category — a remarkable demonstration of sustained excellence. More than half of the coins are Top Pop examples, while many trace their provenance to celebrated collections such as Whittier, Lissner, and the Museum of Victoria. Spanning nearly a century and a half of Dominican numismatic history, the collection is essentially beyond improvement. Indeed, the only collector likely capable of surpassing it is Rudman himself.
Philadelphia's Finest – Mark Lam
Some collections quietly deserve recognition for years before finally receiving it. Mark Lam's remarkable 1868 Proof Set is one of them. Acquired directly from the family of the original owner, the set has remained together for more than 150 years — an extraordinary circumstance that is reflected in its exceptional preservation. The silver dollar grades PF 65 Ultra Cameo, while every other coin is certified PF 66 or PF 67. Particularly noteworthy are the quarter in PF 66 Ultra Cameo, the Three Cent Nickel in PF 67+ Cameo, and the Two Cent Piece in PF 67 Red Brown Cameo, each tied for the finest-certified example. With original mintage of only about 600 sets, assembling an intact Proof Set of this quality is an achievement rarely encountered today.
By pairing a complete Walking Liberty Half Dollar collection with a complete Mint State American Silver Eagle set, Humble Numismatic Forager bridges nearly a century of American coinage through Adolph A. Weinman's timeless Liberty design. The concept has clearly resonated with collectors, attracting more than 400 Registry participants, and creating one of the category's most competitive leaderboards. This top-ranked collection holds a commanding advantage of nearly 10,000 points over its nearest challenger, fueled by a flawless run of MS70 Silver Eagles and an outstanding group of high-grade Walking Liberty halves. The earlier Walkers are thoughtfully assembled across a range of grades, with insightful descriptions describing the merits of each coin. The educational presentation is so strong that the collection could easily have been recognized among the year's Best Presented Sets, making this Best Classic Set award especially well deserved.
Washington Quarters, 1932–1998, Complete – Daniel McMunn
Great Registry collections are measured not only by quality, but also by perseverance. Daniel McMunn began assembling this complete Washington Quarter collection in 2011 and continues refining it today, with several important additions made during the past year alone. Covering all 214 required slots, the collection leads its nearest competitor by more than 50,000 Registry points, a remarkable margin in such a popular category. Beautiful original surfaces, vibrant natural toning, and exceptional eye appeal characterize the set throughout. Individual highlights abound, from an impressive 1946-S graded MS 67★ with dramatic die polish to a virtually unimprovable 1958 in MS 68, and a dazzling 1960 Proof graded PF 69 Ultra Cameo that appears decades younger than its age would suggest. It is an outstanding accomplishment and a fitting first Major Award for its creator.
Murph's Complete Cent Mania – Murph5
Few Registry challenges are as ambitious as assembling every United States cent struck for circulation from 1793 to the present. The complete set encompasses an astonishing 462 slots and includes some of the greatest rarities in American numismatics. Murph5 has already completed 88 percent of that journey. His Lincoln Cents and Indian Cents are especially impressive, highlighted by outstanding examples of classic key dates including the 1909-S V.D.B., 1914-D, and 1955 Doubled Die Obverse. The Indian Cents follow a carefully considered "Everyman" approach centered on AU 58 examples — even the elusive 1877 — while the Large Cents continue that balanced philosophy with attractive Choice About Uncirculated Coronet Cents and solid mid-grade Very Fine Draped Bust issues. More than simply accumulating coins, Murph5 has developed a thoughtful strategy for conquering one of the Registry's most demanding sets, with the 500,000-point milestone now clearly within reach.
Alle 3 Mark Weimarer Republik – Smarty87
Since joining the Registry in 2021, Smarty87 has assembled one of the finest collections of Weimar Republic commemorative coinage anywhere. This complete set has held the top position in its category for more than three years and includes nearly half of the coins as Top Pop examples. Among the many highlights are an extraordinary 1928-A Naumburg graded MS 68, complemented by equally impressive MS 67 examples of the 1927-A Bremerhaven and 1927-F Tübingen University commemoratives. Finding any one of these celebrated issues in such lofty grades would be noteworthy; seeing all three together in a single collection is exceptional. Even the notoriously difficult 1932 Goethe commemoratives, whose open design is highly susceptible to contact marks, are represented almost entirely by Top Pop examples. It is a truly superlative collection of one of Germany's most admired commemorative series.
Once a Registry collection surpasses 500,000 points, it enters truly rarefied company. Nguyen LLC's extraordinary 19th Century United States Type Set has comfortably crossed that threshold by assembling one breathtaking coin after another. The collection embraces both Proof and Mint State examples, guided by a simple philosophy: every coin must be exceptional. Highlights include an 1876-CC Twenty Cent Piece graded MS 64, an 1804 Draped Bust Quarter graded MS 65, all three Liberty Head Double Eagle types in PF 65 Ultra Cameo, and an extraordinary 1808 Quarter Eagle graded MS 65. Joined to the Registry only in 2020, Nguyen LLC has already risen to 14th in overall Registry points while averaging more than 5,000 points per coin — an astonishing achievement that earns a thoroughly deserved first Major Award, and undoubtedly foreshadows many more.
The Young Victoria Collection – John C. Mercer
Rather than pursuing every Victorian Sovereign, John C. Mercer has focused his attention on what many collectors consider the series' most beautiful design: the Young Head portrait introduced in 1838. Featuring Queen Victoria with her hair gathered in a high bun, the type remained in use until 1885 and is prized for both its elegance and its scarcity, as heavy circulation removed many examples from survival. Concentrating on these early issues, Mercer has assembled 41 of the 67 required coins, achieving 61 percent completion while remaining the category leader for seven of the past eight years. The collection is beautifully balanced, progressing from attractive Choice About Uncirculated examples among the scarcer early dates to Mint State coins for many later issues. It is a wonderful reminder that Registry success often comes from pursuing a carefully defined vision rather than simply maximizing completion.
4 Ducats, Franz Joseph I, 1852-1915, Circulation Issue, Including Restrikes – Manhattan Collection
Quietly listed in the Registry for nearly a decade, this remarkable collection has long deserved wider recognition. The thin, large-format 4 Ducat pieces of Franz Joseph I are notoriously difficult to collect. Their expansive, often reflective surfaces reveal every contact mark, they bend easily, and many surviving examples have been cleaned. Against those odds, Manhattan Collection has assembled 57 of the 67 required coins, with the majority grading from Choice About Uncirculated through MS 63. Even more impressive, 29 of the coins are Top Pop examples. Although the series enjoys broad popularity, few advanced collectors are willing to undertake the formidable challenge of building such a comprehensive collection. It may well be years before another set of comparable scope appears in the Registry.
At first glance, it is difficult to imagine how a complete set of George V Maundy coinage could surpass 100,000 Registry points. One look at Nerbee's collection quickly provides the answer. Every one of the 104 Maundy coins issued between 1911 and 1936 is represented by an exceptional Mint State example, ranging from MS 65 through MS 68, with comparatively few at the lower end of that already impressive range. An extraordinary 76 coins are certified as Top Pop, and many remain together as beautifully matched original presentation sets. Nerbee has earned Registry honors before, and this extraordinary achievement demonstrates once again the dedication, patience, and discerning eye required to build one of the world's finest Maundy collections.
Best Modern Sets
Roofer complete gold bullion - All MS70
There are scarcely enough superlatives to describe this remarkable collection of Gold Bullion Issues, 1986-Date, Complete. The first clue is that the top three sets in this highly competitive category are all owned by previous recipients of the David W. Lange Overall Achievement Award, including this award’s recipient. Completion requires an astounding 488 coins, and All MS70’s set is already 98% complete with every coin graded MS 70. Even more astonishing is the score: 997,679 Registry points. With the one-million-point milestone now clearly within reach, this collection may soon become the first Registry set ever to surpass that extraordinary benchmark. It is an achievement that reflects years of dedication, and stands among the greatest accomplishments in modern Registry collecting.
St. Gaudens Medals, National Park Foundation, 2016-Date, Complete – JRJ Collection
Through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic designs for the 1907 $10 and $20 gold pieces have been reimagined as a remarkable series of modern medals. Former United States Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti faithfully modeled the designs from Saint-Gaudens' original sketches, producing an impressive collection of gold and silver medals issued between 2016 and 2025. JRJ Collection has assembled 37 of the 38 issues, with an extraordinary 36 certified as Top Pop examples. Low mintages and frequent sellouts have made many of the earlier releases increasingly difficult to obtain, making this collection a testament to perseverance, focus, and an appreciation for one of America's greatest artistic legacies.
The return of the Morgan and Peace Dollars in 2021 created one of the most celebrated modern coin programs in recent memory. Since then, annual releases in multiple finishes have vaulted the series into one of the Registry's most active and competitive categories. More than 2,000 sets compete here, more than 70 contain complete runs of Top Pop coins, and even multiple David W. Lange Overall Achievement Award winners are among the contenders. HT SME distinguishes this exceptional collection by assembling every coin as either a First Day of Issue or Advance Release example, each housed in a hand-signed label by John Mercanti or David Ryder. Combined with complete photography, informative descriptions, and impeccable quality, the result is a truly outstanding Registry set and a deserving Best Modern Set winner.
The Sacagawea Dollar series has evolved from an intended replacement for the circulating dollar into an enduring tribute to Native American history and culture, making it one of the defining stories of modern United States coinage. Competition within this Registry category, Sacagawea Dollars, 2000-Date, Complete Mint State, and Proof, is equally compelling, with the leading collections separated by only a few thousand points. BenO's top-ranked collection stands apart through both quality and careful strategy, featuring 72 Top Pop coins among the 98 required at the time of judging. In one of the Registry's closest contests, every upgrade matters, and this exceptional collection has earned its place at the top.
As Benny O succinctly observes, "Not easy to get a grade MS67." The broad, open fields of the American Innovation Dollar reverse make pristine circulation strikes surprisingly elusive. Although the series remains ongoing, with several years of future issues yet to be released, this set, American Innovation Dollars, 2018-Date, Mint State, already includes 116 coins dating back to the inaugural issue. Numerous Top Pop examples have propelled Benny O to the top of one of the Registry's most competitive modern categories, holding a lead of roughly 1,200 points — a margin equal to that separating the next four challengers. Celebrating innovation throughout American history, this dynamic series continues to captivate collectors, and Benny O has established an impressive standard for those who hope to follow.
Poland's Mennica Polska ranks among the world's premier mints, producing commemorative coinage renowned for its artistic quality, technical innovation, and diverse themes. Those strengths are fully reflected in this ambitious collection of Silver 10 Złotych issues from 1990 to the present. Of the 303 coins currently required, Kamil Ciechanowicz has assembled an impressive 246, creating a collection that has occupied the top position in the category for the past two years. Recent additions have widened that lead dramatically, with nearly 40,000 points separating this collection from its closest rival, while fewer than 4,000 points divide the next three competitors. It is an extraordinary achievement, and one that continues to set the standard for modern Polish commemorative coinage.
1000 Escudos, Proof, INCM – José Rodrigues
This outstanding collection celebrates Portugal's handsome crown-sized silver 1,000 Escudo commemoratives struck by the Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda between 1981 and 2001, before the adoption of the euro. The complete set comprises 21 issues spanning a fascinating transition from classical to modern commemorative design while honoring a wide range of Portuguese history and culture. The Proof issues, struck in sterling silver with mintages typically limited to just 10,000 or 15,000 pieces, have become increasingly elusive in the decades since their release. José Rodrigues has assembled a complete collection in extraordinary quality, with every coin but two certified as Top Pop examples. Remarkably, he also occupies the top two positions in the category, demonstrating a sustained commitment to excellence across this rewarding series.
The South Korean 10 Won traces an interesting journey from a heavily circulated workhorse denomination to a coin now produced primarily for annual Mint Sets. Although each coin represents less than one U.S. cent in face value, locating Superb Gem examples is considerably more challenging than their modest denomination might suggest. CSKim has assembled the South Korea 10 Won’s most dominant collection, featuring an impressive run of Gem and Superb Gem coins while missing only a handful of collectible varieties. An active Registry participant for more than five years, CSKim has established himself as one of the leading specialists in modern South Korean circulation coinage, making this first Major Award a well-deserved recognition of that accomplishment.
Saudi Silver Medals MS {1} – Ahmed Alatawi
Ahmed Alatawi earns his first Major Award with an outstanding collection celebrating the rich tradition of Saudi Arabian silver medals. Beginning with commemorative issues honoring King Abdulaziz in 1953, the series documents more than seven decades of Saudi history through an engaging variety of medallic designs. As NGC has expanded its presence in the Middle East, interest in certified medal collecting throughout the region has grown significantly, and this emerging Registry category reflects that enthusiasm. Although the category will undoubtedly continue to evolve as additional medals are cataloged, Ahmed Alatawi has already established an exceptional foundation that will inspire fellow collectors to explore this fascinating area of numismatics.
Silver Two Pounds, 2008-Date, Proof – DAN'S ICE WORLD (Doobiewahsasha)
A Registry participant since 2003, Doobiewahsasha captures a first Major Award with this captivating collection of Silver Two Pounds issued for the British Antarctic Territory. Comprising 30 Proof coins struck by the Pobjoy Mint before production ceased in 2023, the series explores the history, wildlife, and scientific legacy of Antarctica through beautifully executed designs. With mintages often numbering only a few hundred pieces, every coin must now be located on the secondary market, making completion an increasingly formidable challenge. Beginning with a commemoration of Britain's territorial claim and continuing through a wide range of Antarctic themes, this collection represents a distinctive and highly rewarding specialty within modern numismatics.
Best New Sets
Rare Coins – Jonathan's Famous Coin Collection
Jonathan's Famous Coin Collection made its Registry debut in 2024, but this remarkable set, added in May 2026, immediately established itself as one of the year's most significant new entries. The four-piece collection showcases the famed Gold $4 Stellas, pattern coins conceived to align with the internationally recognized British Sovereign and 20 Franc gold standard. Although the denomination was never adopted, enough examples survive to make the series collectible while remaining among the greatest rarities in American numismatics. The Morgan-designed Coiled Hair Stellas are particularly extraordinary, including an 1879 Coiled Hair graded PF 67 Cameo that is tied for the finest certified, along with the legendary 1880 Coiled Hair, one of just eight examples known. It is a spectacular set, and a worthy recipient of a Best New Set award.
The Brown Envelope Legacy: Complete Proof Set (1950–1964) – Rocklobstermass
Although this set first appeared publicly in the Registry only in May 2026, it clearly reflects years of thoughtful collecting. Rocklobstermass has assembled a beautifully matched collection of 1950–1964 Proof coinage, emphasizing originality, brilliant surfaces, and consistent eye appeal while commemorating the final years of circulating U.S. silver coinage. The title, The Brown Envelope Legacy, recalls the distinctive Mint packaging in which many of these coins were originally purchased and preserved. Many of the coins were acquired as complete Proof Sets still housed in their original envelopes before later certification. The accompanying descriptions and presentation are every bit as impressive as the coins themselves, making this outstanding new Registry set one that collectors will enjoy exploring.
Modern Commemorative Silver Dollars, 1983-Date, Proof – CCFFG
Added to the Registry in October 2025, CCFFG's top-ranked set of Modern Commemorative Silver Dollars exemplifies the focus and dedication that define successful Registry collecting. The collection is 100% complete, with all 92 required coins certified PF 70 Ultra Cameo — the highest grade attainable. Spanning more than four decades of commemorative coinage, the set documents an important chapter of modern American numismatics while demonstrating the commitment required to assemble a complete run of perfect coins. Already a familiar name among Registry award winners, CCFFG once again raises the bar with an exceptional new achievement.
Date Run American Silver Eagles, All Strikes – DSG Collection
For a collector who joined the Registry only in 2025, DSG Collection has made an extraordinary entrance. This nearly complete Date Run of American Silver Eagles competes in one of the Registry's most fiercely contested categories, yet virtually every coin has earned the coveted MS 70 or PF 70 grade, including the key early issues. The collection also features an impressive selection of Mercanti & Gaudioso dual-signed U.S. Mint Engraver Series labels, celebrating the artists responsible for one of the most influential modern bullion coin designs. Few new Registry participants arrive with a collection of this caliber, making DSG Collection a welcome and deserving addition to the community.
First Republic, 1915–1961 – JBH26
JBH26 joined the Registry in 2024, and introduced this outstanding Cuban collection in March 2026. Choosing to compete in one of the Registry's most challenging areas of Cuban numismatics is ambitious in itself, and the results are already impressive. The minor denominations are represented by an attractive run of Gem Uncirculated examples, while the peso issues include both the coveted Star and ABC types in Choice Uncirculated condition. The gold series begins with a stunning 1 Peso graded MS 67, an extra special highlight for the collection. This exceptional debut promises even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
Kyritsis Collection 2 – KYRITSIS Collection // www.kyritsiscoins.com
With its many scarce and challenging issues, the circulating coinage of King Otto I is a rewarding type set in Greek numismatics. Dealer and specialist Kyritsis added this second collection to the Registry during late 2025, thoughtfully assembling a balanced group of Choice About Uncirculated and Mint State examples that emphasizes quality. Particularly noteworthy is a beautifully preserved 1833 20 Drachmai graded MS 62+, displaying vibrant orange color. It is always encouraging to see experienced specialists and numismatic professionals actively participating in the Registry, and this collection is a fine example of that expertise.
Silver Rand, 1965-Date, Circulation Issue, Including Varieties (2) – Ben Ungerer
An active Registry participant since 2008, Ben Ungerer earns his first Major Award with this fantastic collection of South African Silver Rands. Added in September 2025 and continually improved — including meaningful additions made just before award judging — the set ranks among the finest in one of the Registry's most competitive South African categories. Following the evolution of the Silver Rand from its circulating origins through modern commemorative issues, the collection combines an impressive run of Gem and Superb Gem examples with outstanding overall completeness. It is a well-deserved recognition for one of the Registry's long-standing contributors.
Andrew's Panda 30g MS – Timmyc
China's Gold Panda is one of the world's most celebrated modern bullion series, distinguished by annually changing designs and its pioneering transition from troy-ounce denominations to the now-standard 30-gram format. Timmyc's impressive Registry set chronicles that evolution through a standout collection added in September 2025, and steadily enhanced over the following months. Missing only four of the required 45 coins, the collection was clearly years in the making before its Registry debut. A Registry participant for more than two decades, Timmyc captures a well-earned first Major Award with this exceptional achievement.
Another longtime Registry participant earns a first Major Award with this engaging collection of modern Greek Silver 10 Euro Proofs. Originally centered on Olympic commemoratives, the series has evolved into a fascinating celebration of ancient Greek history, mythology, and culture expressed through innovative modern coin designs. Posted only in May 2026, DSMDPM's collection is already nearly three-quarters complete despite the continuing challenge of three or more new issues being released each year. It is an excellent example of how the Registry encourages collectors to build and share ambitious collections of modern world coinage as these series continue to develop.
GOURI’s #2 Rupee (1862-1947) – Gouri Gupta
Although Gouri Gupta has participated in the Registry since 2009, this remarkable collection was created only in June 2026, making it one of the year's most exciting new additions. Covering the Uniform Coinage of British India from 1862 through 1947, the set includes one rupee for every date-and-mint combination across 101 coins. While the series offers collectors many different approaches, this collection distinguishes itself through its remarkable concentration of bright Uncirculated examples, bringing together coins from multiple mints and generations into a cohesive and visually appealing whole. It is a superb illustration of how the Registry can showcase both historical breadth and careful, disciplined collecting.
Best Presented Sets
Half Dollar Type Set – Alarm67
Alarm67 has been a Registry participant for only a year, yet this remarkable collection immediately captured the attention of the judges. Featuring a superb US Silver Commemoratives Type Set (1892–1954) composed of high-grade, original examples, the collection is impressive on its own merits. What truly distinguishes it, however, is its educational presentation. A native Russian speaker, Alarm67 provides both English and Russian-language text for every coin — transcripts of his multilingual YouTube presentations discussing the history and significance of each issue. Building such a collection while living overseas presents its own challenges, but Alarm67 has demonstrated that enthusiasm, scholarship, and a willingness to share knowledge transcend borders. It is an inspiring example of the international spirit of the NGC Registry.
Kennedy Extended Family – Cold Day in Houston
For Cold Day in Houston, Registry collecting is as much about storytelling as it is about assembling great coins. This Complete Set of Kennedy Half Dollars, Including Varieties is accompanied by descriptions that blend collecting experiences, observations about the marketplace, and a healthy dose of humor. The judges found themselves laughing more than once, particularly at this memorable reflection: "I got tired of waiting for something special for this date and just went with a placeholder. Based on my past experience, this is what usually triggers the upgrade opportunity. Then again, washing your car to make it rain doesn't work." The collection itself is an impressive accomplishment, but the engaging commentary makes every entry worth reading from beginning to end.
Landmark Legacy: Silver Treasures of America's Beauty & History Quarters – PerangPinoy
PerangPinoy's top-ranked, 100% complete set of America the Beautiful Silver Proof Quarters serves as far more than a showcase of perfect PF 70 Ultra Cameo coins. Each National Park honored is accompanied by a carefully selected photograph, properly credited, allowing viewers to appreciate the landscapes and historic sites depicted on the coins. Detailed specifications accompany every issue, while original poems add a thoughtful and artistic dimension to the presentation. Together, the photography, historical context, and poetry transform the collection into a celebration of America's natural beauty and cultural heritage that extends well beyond the coins themselves.
John's Ladies with Photos and Facts – JTO
JTO's complete set of First Spouse Gold Proofs is every bit as entertaining as it is informative. Every PF 70 Ultra Cameo coin is beautifully photographed with carefully cropped images that showcase each design to its fullest. Alongside each coin, John shares an interesting historical fact about the First Lady represented, while adding generous amounts of humor and personal commentary. His account of learning to crop circular coin images in Photoshop — only to repeatedly find himself on UFO websites while searching for "crop circles" — perfectly captures the lighthearted spirit that runs throughout the presentation. The combination of good photography, historical research, and genuine personality makes this collection an absolute pleasure to explore.
The Eagle's Lair II – ChuckBuck
ChuckBuck has been collecting for only a few years, yet his top-ranked set of Silver Eagles, 1986-Date, Proofs, Including Varieties has already reached perfection, with every coin certified PF 70 Ultra Cameo. Each entry features obverse and reverse photographs accompanied by detailed descriptions that include mintage figures, certified populations, and even specialized population breakdowns for various labels and holder presentations. The collection is both informative and meticulously organized. Visitors are also introduced to "Bucky" — a 95-pound yellow Labrador Retriever who faithfully guards the Eagle's Lair and proudly appears in the set description. Educational, comprehensive, and undeniably charming, this presentation is difficult to top.
Waldo P. Emerson Jones – Lightningsquid
This top-ranked complete Mint State collection of Philippine Republic coinage from 1947 through 1967 has become a valuable educational resource, attracting more than 2,000 views from collectors interested in this fascinating series. Every coin is illustrated with obverse and reverse photographs, allowing visitors to follow the evolution of Philippine coinage during the nation's early decades of independence. While the obverse designs retain familiar motifs from the earlier United States - Philippines issues, the reverses proudly display the Coat of Arms of the Republic, and the impressive Silver Peso series honors many of the country's national heroes. Beautifully presented and thoughtfully explained, this collection provides an outstanding introduction to a historically significant coinage.
The Euro Type Set offers countless collecting possibilities, requiring participants to select just one representative coin from each of the Eurozone nations. Cellgazer transforms that flexibility into an engaging educational experience by carefully explaining the historical and cultural significance behind every selection. Each coin is accompanied by a photograph and an informative narrative that explores the national symbols and themes represented in its design. More than two decades after the introduction of the euro, this collection provides an enjoyable perspective on how individual nations continue to celebrate their unique identities while participating in a shared European currency. It is an inviting gateway to the diversity of modern European coinage.
Complete Set of Straits Settlements Coins – Ir. Winson's Collection
The coinage of the Straits Settlements, issued between 1871 and 1935 for territories that today form parts of Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia's Indian Ocean Territories, presents collectors with numerous challenges, including scarce issues, varieties, and frequently encountered counterfeits. Ir. Winson's Collection has spent well over a decade assembling this remarkable collection, which is now 99% complete, and ranks at the top of its category. Every coin is photographed, creating what may be the only place online where nearly the entire circulation series can be viewed together in one comprehensive presentation. Both the collection itself, and the effort devoted to documenting it, represent major accomplishments.
The silver issues of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Nation have earned widespread admiration for their artistic quality and their celebration of Lakota history and culture. Early issues produced by Art of Coins established the series' reputation, while more recent high-relief releases from XceptionalMint have continued to push the boundaries of modern medallic art through innovative reinterpretations of classic American coinage designs. J. Antonio's top-ranked collection is already 97% complete, with every coin photographed and accompanied by detailed descriptions, specifications, and mintage information drawn from the original certificates of authenticity. It is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in this rapidly growing and visually striking modern series.
The First Modern Style Circulating Coins of Japan, 1870–1871 – Star City Homer
Star City Homer's exceptional collection explores one of the most important transitional periods in Japanese numismatic history. This complete silver type set of 1870–1871 includes many beautiful gem-grade examples presented with large, detailed photographs that reward careful study. The accompanying commentary explains how these inaugural modern-style circulating coins reflect Japan's ambitious efforts to modernize its monetary system following the Meiji Restoration. Collectors can observe the growing pains of this transformation through features such as die cracks, uneven strikes, and imperfect planchets before Japanese coinage rapidly evolved into some of the finest produced anywhere in the world. By combining outstanding coins with insightful historical context, this presentation makes a sophisticated and often-overlooked series accessible to a wide audience.
Best Custom Sets
THE GREAT SPACE RACE – G.Niward
Created only in May 2026, THE GREAT SPACE RACE demonstrates how quickly a thoughtful idea can become an award-winning Custom Registry Set. G.Niward has assembled a collection of 20 space-themed coins that chronicles humanity's pursuit of the stars through innovative modern coinage. Among the highlights are Australia's celebrated Northern Sky and Southern Sky issues, whose groundbreaking curved designs helped inspire the 2019 Apollo 11 commemorative coins that also appear in the collection. While already introducing collectors to a few fascinating and unfamiliar issues, the set clearly has room to expand alongside its ambitious theme. It is exactly the kind of imaginative, educational collection that the Custom Registry was created to encourage.
Barber Quarters Major Varieties, 90's Center & Far Right Mint Marks & Hub Changes – Radagast04l9
One of the greatest strengths of the Custom Registry is the freedom to collect beyond the structure of traditional competitive sets. Radagast04l9 has embraced that philosophy by creating the Barber Quarter variety set that many specialists have long wished existed. Expanding well beyond the standard 74-coin competitive set, this ambitious framework includes 123 slots covering major varieties, mintmark position changes for the 1893-1897 issues, the 1892 and 1900 hub varieties, and even the historic Isabella Quarter. Already 95 coins strong, the collection offers an outstanding roadmap for fellow enthusiasts who appreciate the fascinating nuances of Barber Quarter die varieties. It is a perfect example of how Custom Sets allow collectors to define their own numismatic journey.
ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL BYZANTINE AU, EL, AR & AE – AVALEIGH
Of the 28 sets AVALEIGH has assembled for the ancients’ specialty Registry, the one entitled “ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL BYZANTINE AU, EL, AR & AE” is among his largest. It covers a broad span of history from the early 6th Century through the mid-14th Century, with a particular focus on the first two of those centuries. Most coins are of the Byzantine Empire, though there is a gold hyperpyron of the Empire of Nicaea, an independent Greek state created by Byzantine ex-pats after Constantinople was sacked during the Fourth Crusade. The set offers a nice mix of base metal and precious metal coins, revealing the scope of coinage produced in the Byzantine world. Within are many attractive examples of coins that in some cases are difficult to find in appealing condition.
New World Spanish and Post-Independence American Coins – SkeletonKrewe
SkeletonKrewe has created a fascinating collection that traces the evolution of coinage throughout the Americas, linking Spanish colonial issues with the emergence of independent nations and, ultimately, the coinage of the United States. The 52-piece collection seamlessly connects centuries of monetary history while highlighting important shipwreck discoveries from the Bahamas and Florida, an area of enduring fascination for many collectors. Particularly noteworthy are an early Mexico 3 Reales, an impressive run of dated Colombian 2 Escudos — including several plate coins from the standard reference — and an extraordinary group of 13 gold coins recovered from the famous 1715 Fleet shipwreck. The result is a compelling narrative that illustrates the shared numismatic heritage of the New World.
The Extraordinary So-Called Dollar Collection – Scarsdale Coin
For professional coin dealers, balancing personal collecting with the demands of serving clients is no easy task. Yet over decades, many quietly assemble truly extraordinary collections. Scarsdale Coin has chosen to share one of those passions through this remarkable Custom Registry Set devoted to So-Called Dollars. These historic dollar-sized medals, cataloged by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen in the standard HK reference, represent one of the most engaging specialties in American exonumia. Long recognized as a leader in this field, Scarsdale Coin has assembled a world-class collection exceeding 500 pieces, including many exceptional examples carefully acquired over years of dedicated pursuit. For anyone interested in understanding the breadth, beauty, and historical importance of So-Called Dollars, this award-winning Custom Set is an outstanding place to begin.
Most Creative Custom Set
Mexico 20th/21st Century Mint Errors (Misc.) – SD_MexCoins
The objective is straightforward: collect as many known error varieties of modern Mexican coinage as possible. The execution, however, is exceptional. SD_MexCoins has organized this collection not by denomination or date, but by the fascinating minting errors themselves. Viewed as a gallery, the set becomes an educational journey through the minting process, beginning with planchet cracks before progressing through clipped planchets, dramatic crescent clips, multiple clips, brockages, double strikes, off-center strikes, and other spectacular production errors. Outstanding photography and comprehensive descriptions accompany every coin, creating a presentation that is as informative as it is visually engaging. Focused, original, and beautifully executed, this collection exemplifies the creativity the Custom Registry was designed to celebrate.
Most Informative Custom Set
The Brandywine Collection – Brandywine Coins
The Brandywine Collection demonstrates how a thoughtfully curated group of coins can tell the story of an entire state. Centered on Delaware, this engaging 22-coin collection explores the state's rich numismatic heritage through carefully researched narratives, outstanding photography, and a unifying theme that invites visitors to follow the collector's personal journey of discovery. As Brandywine Coins observes, "There are no rules about what to collect." Choosing this unique path required learning far more than simply identifying coins — it meant developing expertise in grading, pricing, auctions, and the marketplace while uncovering the stories behind each piece. The result is a collection that not only informs but inspires, reminding us that the greatest reward in collecting is often the knowledge gained along the way.
Whether pursuing the finest known rarities, documenting a specialized collecting interest, or sharing an entirely new way of viewing numismatics, this year's winners demonstrate that the NGC Registry continues to celebrate not only great coins, but also the collectors whose passion brings them to life.
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