Expert Comments :

2010 was a very busy year for the PSE Set Registry. We added two new major categories which include Official Stamps and Revenue Stamps. In addition, an upgrade to our software now allows us to distinguish between singles, pairs and line pairs. As a result we expanded the Registry by adding over 165 new set composites. From 1,203 registered sets at the end of 2009 to 1,450 sets at the end of 2010 and an increase in membership, the judges were faced with an array of unbelievable sets to review. We wish to thank all PSE Set Registrants. Whether you won an award this year or not, your participation in the Registry and your enthusiasm is very much appreciated.

Scott Murphy, USN, Ret.
Senior Expert
Professional Stamp Experts

Best Overall Set of 2010

Flying High Again #9 - 1929 Kansas Nebraska Overprints (NH)
Even though considered a modern set by many, the set is extremely difficult due to the normally small margins. This set in particular is exceptional in that all but four out of the 22 stamps are top of the pop, and for those four stamps there are a total of five stamps graded higher. Simply incredible!

Best 19th Century Regular Issue Set of 2010

Nick Kirke Collection - 1890 Small Bank Notes (Used)
An incredible show stopper of a set with 75% jumbos! Eye candy for the used collector, this set must be seen to be believed.

wmerlin collections - 1894 First Bureau Issues (OG)
For a fourth year in a row this set has dominated its competition and even though previously hinged, with one third OGnh and 42% jumbos, this set is in its own class.

Best 19th Century Commemorative Set of 2010

wmerlin collections - 1893 Columbian (OG)
Even though previously hinged, this set contains even more jumbos and a higher overall grade average than the previous set. With an incredible twelve jumbos (75% of the total set) and no stamps below XF-S 95, this set is a real delight to the eye.

wmerlin collections - 1898 Trans-Mississippi (OG)
Six years in a row and still over two full points higher than the next set, this set is pure viewing pleasure and a supreme achievement.

Best 20th Century Regular Issue Set of 2010

Brian M. DeBroff (Brian and Brian Stamps) - 1923-26 Imperf (NH)
There can be no doubt that a complete set graded Gem 100J deserves recognition.

West Coast - 1926-28 Regular Issue Rotary (NH)
With all but four stamps currently top of the pop including three graded 100J and none grading below 98 this set is inspiring in its excellence.

Flying High Again #9 - 1929 Kansas Nebraska Overprints (NH)
See Best Overall Set description above.

Avenbury Lakes Presidential NH Pairs -2 - 1939 Presidential Set - Coils, Pairs (NH)
Coil stamps can be notoriously difficult to find well centered. This set is absolutely amazing with an incredible ten of thirteen pairs grading 100. What a treat!

Best 20th Century Commemorative Set of 2010

Flying High Again #25 - 1904 Louisiana Purchase (NH)
A small but challenging set, this one has topped all the top sets of the previous six years – just a delightful set to behold.

Flying High Again #11 - 1919-1937 Non-Red Commemoratives (NH)
With ten of thirteen stamps at the top of the pop, this set just topped last year’s winner with an unbelievable nine Gem 100s and three Gem 100Js. WOW!

Flying High Again #18 - 1926-32 Commemorative 2c Reds (NH)
Any set with a rating above 100 has to be incredible and this set is no exception. With 21 of 24 stamps graded Gem 100 or Gem 100J and twenty at the top of the pop, this set will be very difficult to beat anytime soon. Another WOW!

Flying High Again #17 - 1936-37 Army Navy Issue (NH)
Ten stamps – all top of the pop and all graded Gem 100 with one jumbo. What more can be said?

Randy Henson - 1940 Famous Americans (NH)
What a challenge – 35 stamps and over 90% are top of the pop with 31 graded Gem 100 or higher.

Best Back of the Book Set of 2010

The Golden State Collection - 1919 Shanghai Overprint Issues (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 four of them are the single finest graded!

Flying High Again #2 - Graf Zeppelin Issues (NH)
Only three stamps in this set, but what history. Achieving the current finest possible set rating is an accomplishment worthy of note. Enjoy the view!

Flying High Again #5 - Mid-Century Airmail Set C20-C76 (NH)
Reaching completion for this long 57 stamp set and surpassing the top sets from the previous two years is quite impressive. The shocker is that there are an incredible 50 top pop stamps here and 42 graded Gem 100.

Mike Casper - Special Delivery Issues (NH)
Beating out a five time current champ this set burst onto the scene this year. An eye-popping seven single finest known stamps are the highlight. Enjoy!

Best Federal Duck Set of 2010

Best of the Registry Certificate Winners of 2010

(#1 set in each category with at least 85% completion, 12/31/10 2:00pm EST)