Expert Comments :

There are now nearly 1,100 sets registered in the PSE Set Registry, an increase of 300 sets from 2007. We were impressed by the high quality of so many of the sets. Judging for the 2008 awards was again a daunting task due to the number of amazing sets. Although not everyone will receive an award this year, we wish to extend our sincere thanks to all members participating in the Registry program. Your continuing support and enthusiasm is very much appreciated. We are looking forward to another exciting year.

Michael W. Sherman
President
Professional Stamp Experts

Best Overall Set of 2008

The Golden State Collection - 1902-03 Regular Issues (NH) (NH)
At 100% complete and an astonishing 58% Jumbo and a weighted GPA above 95, this set stands out as a real accomplishment. This series is notoriously tough, particularly in the higher values. A painstaking effort to be sure.

Best 19th Century Regular Issue Set of 2008

wmerlin collections - 1847-55 Complete Set (Used)
With three 100J’s and a set rating of 92.32, (including a No. 5 in 90J) this set is a perennial winner taking a prize for the fourth consecutive year. Nick Kirke is hot on his heels though, and one can only imagine what a set that combined the best of both of these powerhouses would look like. Wait, it would be 100% complete, with a set rating of 97.2! Wow.

Nick Kirke Collection - 1861-66 Regular Issues (Used)
Again, the titans of early used stamps fight it out, this time with Nick’s set winning by a nose. Wmerlin is close behind, and it will be exciting to see these two great sets in another year. Both sets are 100% complete, and oddly, both each have 34% Jumbos. Kudos!

The Golden State Collection - 1881-89 American Bank Note (NH)
Comprising Scott Nos. 205-218, the Golden State Collection achieves a lofty set rating of 93.58 and is 100% complete. Knowledgeable collectors know how tough these large Banknotes are to find nice, particularly the 208 and the 218.

Best 19th Century Commemorative Set of 2008

Austin Simmons - 1893 Columbian (NH)
Lacking only the $2.00 denomination, the balance of this fine set is entirely composed of 95’s and higher. Few sets can match the Columbians for beauty, history or eye appeal.

Nick Kirke Collection - 1893 Columbian Short Set (Used)
Quality used Columbians can be elusive, and this set shows just how nice such a set can be.

Nick Kirke Collection - 1898 Trans-Mississippi (Used)
Again, one of the grandmasters of used stamps has assembled a collection that pushes the bounds of possibility. Seven of the 11 stamps are either finest known, or tied for that honor.

Best 20th Century Regular Issue Set of 2008

The Golden State Collection - 1902-03 Regular Issues (NH)
(See the set description for Best Overall Set above.)

The Golden State Collection - 1910-11 Washington Franklin Issues (NH)
With two thirds of the collection finest known or tied, and over half jumbos, the Golden State Collection sets an extremely high bar for this set. The 98.54 set rating leaves little room for improvement.

Avenbury Lakes Pairs - 1914 Regular Issues - Coils (NH)
The Avenbury Lakes Coil Pairs sets estabilish the standard for this segment of philately. This set is representative of the impeccable quality that distinguishes this collector’s holdings.

West Coast - 1926-31 Regular Issues Rotary (NH)
A winner in 2007, this set continues to dominate the category. Perhaps most amazing is the fact that its set rating is 99.2, and there are twenty-two stamps in the set. Seasoned philatelists are well aware of the difficulty of finding these small margined stamps perfectly centered.

Jay Parrino - 1938 Presidential Set (NH)
Regardless of age or rarity, any set with a rating of 99.63 required incredible patience and searching through many thousands of stamps. Virtual perfection defined.

Jed Pairs - 1939 Presidential Set - Coils (NH)
Another set similar to the last in quality with a rating of 99.38, it aptly illustrates the rewards of patience and a good eye.

Best 20th Century Commemorative Set of 2008

G-DUB - 1901 Pan-American (OG)
While not many OG sets typically win awards, this essentially all-jumbo set is a significant accomplishment. The rating of 98.40 speaks for itself. No less than half the set is finest known examples.

Jay Parrino - 1901 Pan American (NH)
What G-DUB did with PH stamps, Jay Parrino did with NH stamps. With a set rating of 97.90 this small but visually attractive set is a delight to the eye. Some very tough competition in this category, as wmerlin, HRH and NavarroGems remain very closely behind.

Nick Kirke Collection - 1913-15 Panama Pacific (Used)
Nick’s used Pan-Pacs tower above the competition, exceeding second place by over 25 points. Nobody does used better!

Randy Henson - 1934 National Parks Issues (NH)
Simply doesn’t get any better. All 100 or 100J. All finest knowns. Set rating 100.6.

Schuetz Collection - Early 1950s Commemoratives (NH)
As mentioned earlier, regardless of the age or rarity of the stamps, assembling a set consisting of over 40 stamps with an average grade of 99.58 is no mean feat. It speaks volumes to the owner’s persistence and dedication. A most impressive effort.

Best Airmail Set of 2008

Blue Angel Collection - First Airmail Issues (NH)
A 2007 winner, Blue Angel is back again with this outstanding set, which features what is likely the finest known C4, a 100J.

Jay Parrino - First Airmail Issues (NH)
Matching Blue Angel’s 98.73 set rating is Parrino’s Set. Parrino achieved this lofty set rating without any jumbos as well.

Jay Parrino - Graf Zeppelin Issues (NH)
While not quite as high grade as the legendary Westchester Collection, (now broken up) Parrino’s set with a rating of 98.88 ranks as the current finest. Blue Angel trails by a mere quarter of a grade point.

Best Special Delivery Set of 2008

David Hall - Special Delivery Issues (NH)
Winning for the fourth time in five years, David Hall’s Special Delivery set maintains a comfortable lead over Parrino’s number two set. Still lacking the E22, we’re sure it’s only a matter of a little time until a suitable stamp is located.

West Coast - Special Handling (NH)
2007 Winner West Coast sits on a “perfect 100” set.

Best Parcel Post Set of 2008

The Golden State Collection - 1913 Parcel Post (NH)
This wonderful set of twelve, large red “Q” stamps is currently dominated by Golden State, which boasts an impressive rating of 98.38 and is half “jumbo."

Jay Parrino - 1913 Parcel Post (NH)
Hot on the heels of Golden State is Parrino, with a 97.62 rating, but using only one jumbo stamp.

Best Federal Duck Set of 2008

Christopher Rupp - Federal Duck RW1-74b (NH)
Expanding the set to include the Artist sheets, the finest set belongs to Christopher Rupp, who is 100% complete with a rating of 98.43. His third win in a row, this deserving set remains at the threshold of perfection.

Best of the Registry Certificate Winners of 2008

(#1 set in each category with at least 75% completion, 12/31/08 2:00pm EST)