Expert Comments :

In 2009, another 100 sets were registered. In addition, we made a number of changes to set compositions and changes to the bonus point structure for Jumbos. It was a busy year for us! Again, we were amazed about the number of high quality sets registered and as in previous years, the selection of the major award winners was daunting. In addition, we increased the qualification for "Best of the Registry" certificate winners from 75% to 85% completion. This did not seem to deter the participants, as the number of winners increased from 139 to 158! We wish to thank all PSE Set Registrants. Whether you won an award this year or not, your participation in the Registry is very much appreciated.

Michael W. Sherman
President
Professional Stamp Experts

Best Overall Set of 2009

wmerlin collections - 1847-55 Regular Issues Complete Set (Used)
A major winner last year, William Merlin continues to dominate in this category with his phenomenal set. He has four 100J's registered compared to last year's three and he has increased his set rating from 92.32 to 96.40 (including a No. 5 in 90J). We are so impressed with this set that it has been awarded the Best Overall for 2009 and is being inducted into the PSE Hall of Fame.

Best 19th Century Regular Issue Set of 2009

wmerlin collections - 1847-55 Complete Set (Used)
(See the set description for Best Overall Set above.)

Best 19th Century Commemorative Set of 2009

Mike Casper - 1893 Columbian Short Set (NH)
The Columbians depict the various events during the career of Christopher Columbus and are one of the most popular collectors' series. Mike Casper burst onto the scene in 2009 and quickly took hold of the number one spot in this 11-stamp Columbian short set. Surpassing Austin Simmon's multi-year winning set, Mike has landed in the number one Current Finest spot and is only a few points behind the All-Time Finest Westchester Collection.

Best 20th Century Regular Issue Set of 2009

The Golden State Collection - 1919 Shanghai (NH)
Shanghai is an interesting, short-lived and popular series. Although the Golden State Collection is closed from viewing, we can tell you that it is impressive. 11 of the stamps are "Top Pops" and five of the them are the single finest graded!

John B. Shely (Shilohprexys) - 1938 Presidential Set (NH)
The Presidential series served as the definitive stamps in the United States until the 1950s when they were replaced by the Liberty series. The issue provided a chronological overview of the American presidency, from George Washington on the 1-cent stamp to Calvin Coolidge on the 5-dollar value. The Shilohprexys set is closed from viewing but with a set rating of 99.57, you can only imagine what's in the set. For example, 24 stamps in this 32-stamp set are 100s! We're impressed, in fact, so much so, that this set is being inducted into the PSE Hall of Fame.

Best 20th Century Commemorative Set of 2009

Mike Casper - 1913-15 Panama-Pacific (NH)
On the December 31st deadline, Mike Casper's set was ranked number one by a large margin. This was better than the Schuetz Collection, a winner in 2006 and 2007 and the HRH collection which won in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Mike Casper's set boasts a 98.05 rating. In January, 2010, a new set was registered, Flying High Again, challenging Mike's set. It will be interesting to see who's on top at the end of this year!

Best Airmail Set of 2009

David Carnes (The Riverside Collection) - Early Airmail Issues C1-C19 (NH)
The early airmails from 1918 to 1934 contain some of the most interesting stamps in the series including the "Spirit of St. Louis" and the Graf Zeppelins. In 2008, the Riverside Collection was ranked number four Current Finest with a rating of 97.05. In the last year, David has improved his set bringing it to a phenomenal 98.22 rating, the best ever seen in the Registry. Congratulations!

Best Special Delivery Set of 2009

David Hall - Special Delivery Issues (NH)
Winning for the fifth time in six years, David Hall’s Special Delivery set continues to dominate in this category. It is clear from David's set description that he loves this series. His E15 is a perfect 100 and the E19 is 98J, the single finest graded. However, the set still lacks the E22. Will someone please sell him one?

Best Parcel Post Set of 2009

The Golden State Collection - 1913 Parcel Post (NH)
Now a member of the PSE Hall of Fame this wonderful set remains unbeatable. Six of the stamps in this set are Jumbo. With the exception of the Q6, all of the stamps grade 98. Eight of them are the highest PSE has graded. You can't get much better than this.

Best Federal Duck Set of 2009

Best of the Registry Certificate Winners of 2009

(#1 set in each category with at least 85% completion, 12/31/09 2:00pm EST)