Expert Comments :

There are now over 800 sets in the PSE Set Registry. Picking this year's award winners was a daunting task. There are some truly spectacular sets in the Registry. We understand what it takes to build a great set, and so many of you have done exactly that. It was truly a pleasure to comb thru all the sets and look at what amazing individual stamps were in many of the sets.

We congratulate all of this year’s winners. And, those who came close also have our respect. There are some great sets that aren’t on the list of this year’s winners. We want you to know that we are not only totally impressed with your philatelic accomplishments, but we are also very inspired by your passion and determination. Because of this, we are motivated to work even harder on the PSE Set Registry and make it even better for all participants. Thanks for letting us help you have fun with your stamps.

Michael W. Sherman
President
Professional Stamp Experts

Best Overall Set of 2007

Jay Parrino - 1898 Trans-Mississippi (NH)
Along with the Columbians, the Trans Mississippi’s are one of only two 19th century commemorative sets. Seven of the nine stamps in this amazing set are finest knowns or tied for that honor. Many believe this series, which depicts scenes of the American West based on original paintings, photographs, and drawings is the most artistic ever issued by the U.S. Post office. Our congratulations to Jay for assembling this masterpiece.

Best 19th Century Regular Issue Set of 2007

Nick Kirke Collection - 1847-55 Regular Issues Type Set (Used)
Nick’s posting of his sets in late 2007 was a watershed for the Registry. As one of the world’s pre-eminent collectors of Used U.S., his participation in the Registry has raised the bar to an incredibly lofty level for 19th and early 20th century used stamps. Regarding this set, while as a Type set it contains no extreme rarities, the quality of this set is simply mind boggling. With an average grade of 99.33, it is easily the finest group of our earliest stamps one is likely to ever encounter.

Nick Kirke Collection - 1869 Pictorials (Used)
Although less than popular in their day, few series are more beloved by today’s collectors than the Pictorials of 1869. Some even consider them the first “commemorative” issue. While technically a regular issue, few other regular issues capture the spirit of 19th century America as well as these. Nick’s assemblage here is as nice a used set as you’re going to see.

Nick Kirke Collection - 1870 National Bank Notes without Grill (Used)
The “Banknote” issues defined U.S. postage stamps for almost 25 years – from 1870 to 1895, and while some find them a bit monotonous, advanced collectors know what a challenge a great set is, and a complete set is a delight to the eye. Colorful and majestic in their design, the banknotes are an acquired taste. Eight of the eleven stamps in this set are finest known’s! Enjoy this one.

The Golden State Collection - 1890 Small Bank Notes (NH)
The small banknote set of 1890 was the last privately printed regular issue and returned to the pre-1870 size. The unquestioned star of this fine set is the Scott No. 228 in Superb 98 NH.

Best 19th Century Commemorative Set of 2007

Nick Kirke Collection - 1893 Columbian (Used)
Few if any sets compare in popularity to the great Columbian Commemoratives of 1893, and this incredible used set features nine of the sixteen stamps as tied for, or finest known’s. It is nearly half “jumbo” as well. Experienced collectors well appreciate the difficulty in finding really nice used stamps, and this set epitomizes the challenge and beauty that such a set can offer.

The Golden State Collection - 1893 Columbian (NH)
A mint NH set of Columbians remains one of the holy grails of U.S. philately, and as of this date, no one has done a better job of putting one together than the Golden State Collection’s owner.

Jay Parrino - 1898 Trans-Mississippi (NH)
Please see comments in the Best Set for 2007.

Best 20th Century Regular Issue Set of 2007

Nick Kirke Collection - 1902-03 Regular Issues (Used)
The first Regular Issue of the 20th century was an ornate, Victorian inspired series that hearkened back to the previous century. To fully appreciate this set, one needs time and a magnifying glass to see all the intricate detail hidden in these lovely designs. While not prohibitively expensive, it is excessively difficult to put a set of this quality together. Check the populations out. Wow.

The Golden State Collection - 1917-19 Washington Franklin Issues (NH)
A twenty-one stamp set, with an average grade of 98.26… and half jumbo to boot. Not much more to add here. Quality like this takes time, patience, and dare we say “ample funds” to put together. An outstanding accomplishment and a veritable feast for the philatelic eye.

Blue Angel Collection - 1919 Shanghai (NH)
An often overlooked set, the eighteen “K” series of Shanghai overprints are very tough to find well centered and faultless. More than half of this set is in the finest known category, and from the population data, a finer set cannot be assembled as of this date. Quite a feat, and great to see attention paid to his underappreciated series.

West Coast - 1922-25 Regular Issues (NH)
Like the 1917-1919 Washington Franklin Set above, here is a huge 25 stamp set with an average grade well above 98! Sporting no fewer than seven 100s, and 56% jumbos, this is a set that will be extraordinarily difficult to eclipse. It’s also a very interesting set to look at, as many of the higher denomination stamps featured important American landmarks.

Best 20th Century Commemorative Set of 2007

Nick Kirke Collection - 1904 Louisiana Purchase (Used)
While the Louisiana Purchase set is not large, it’s quite tough to find nice examples with large margins. Nick’s set features three jumbos out of five stamps, and amazingly, only ONE stamp in the entire set exists which could improve it! Without a doubt, the finest Used set ever to be assembled.

West Coast - 1920s Commemoratives (NH)
Even though most of the stamps in this set can be had in reasonably high grade, the two 100J’s and two 98J’s ensure that this set will remain on top for some time to come. Averaging an astounding 98.73, it’s truly a fine piece of collecting.

Schuetz Collection - 1926-32 Commemorative 2c Reds (NH)
From the Grandmaster of ultra high grade stamps comes this dizzying assemblage of two cent red commemoratives. Honored for the FOURTH YEAR in a row, what more can you say about at 24 stamp set with thirteen 100s and an average grade of 99.24? Sets such as this are what the registry is all about. The dogged pursuit of the finest available! Kudos!

West Coast - 1932 Washington Bicentennial (NH)
Here’s a great looking set and wonderful tribute to the Father of Our Country. Averaging an impressive 99.08, with a third jumbo and a third 100, it’s a super set however you judge it. The Scott #712 is the centerpiece and an object of envy for all who see it.

Best Airmail Set of 2007

Scott Newman (The Westchester Collection) - Graf Zeppelin Issues (NH)
A Graf Zepp set with an average grade of 100.88. All jumbo. All FINEST KNOWN. Photos available on the web. Check it out and be amazed. Enough said!

Blue Angel Collection - Early Airmail Issues (NH)
C1 to C18, complete, Mint NH, averaging 98.26. While the C4 in 100J is the jaw dropper here, such as the C3 in 100 or the C9 in 98J are certainly no slouches. Early airmails have always been hugely popular for good reason, and this set demonstrates the results of perseverance and patience. While it will inch higher over time, it would surprise us if it were surpassed anytime soon.

Best Special Delivery Set of 2007

David Hall - Special Delivery Issues (NH)
The interesting Special D’s are a panorama of progress, demonstrating the history of transportation. From foot, to bicycles, to motorcycles, then trucks and finally airplanes! What a story. And what a set! With a third of the set finest known, another third jumbo, and an average of 96.47, it’s a real treat to view.

Best Parcel Post Set of 2007

The Regian '47 - 1913 Parcel Post (NH)
Another great back of the book set, the Parcel Posts of 1913 portrayed a wonderful series of vignettes of American transportation, agriculture, industry and mail handling. (The 20¢ issue was the first government issued postage stamp of any country to show an airplane.) The Regian ‘47’s set is complete, carries a rating of 95.69 and boasts over 40% jumbos. Nice work!

Best Federal Duck Set of 2007

Anthony P. Masciarella (The Blind Hog Collection) - Federal Duck Stamps RW1-74 (NH)
Federal Hunting Permit stamps is where competition on the Set Registry really began, and once again, the Blind Hog Collection is at the top of the heap. Imagine this: a 74 stamp set with an average grade of 98.75! It’s very close to being HALF 100s, and get this – a mere 18 total stamps have been graded higher than the examples in this collection. When you consider that PSE has graded over 12,600 Duck stamps, the magnitude of this accomplishment looms even larger.

James Mitchell (Upwindjack) - Federal Duck Stamps Expanded RW1-74b (NH)
Hot on the heels of Blind Hog, and including the souvenir sheets to boot, the incredible Upwindjack set averages 98.34 and typifies the intense competition in this category. The owner has generously shared this set in photographs on the website, and you’re all urged to enjoy this collecting tour de force at your leisure.

Best of the Registry Certificate Winners of 2007

(#1 set in each category with at least 50% completion, 12/28/07 2:00pm EST)