Congratulations to the 2026 PMG Registry Award Winners!

Each year, PMG recognizes the top collectors and collections in the PMG Registry. This year, three winners were selected in each of the Best US Set, Best World Set, and Best Presented Set categories. In addition, we named one winner in the DeRocker Award for Outstanding Achievement category. Winners of major PMG Registry Awards receive a personalized plaque, an icon of recognition next to their PMG Registry set, and a $500 PMG grading credit!

Our team of judges reviewed the top sets across every category in the PMG Registry. After much consideration, they have made their selections. Congratulations to our outstanding 2026 winners!

DeRocker Award for Outstanding Achievement

Collectoroldthings- Donald Scarinci

A truly scintillating array of domestic and world paper money, this fastidious collector’s collection should be appealing and exciting to all aficionados of US and world currency. The scope, history, and passion of the subject put forth by Donald Scarinci truly transcends to an exceptional presentation. While a visit to any registry set's gallery is always recommended, in this case, we would strongly suggest it. With more than three dozen set types garnering No. 1 rankings, Mr. Scarinci’s collection is a worthy and exciting recipient of this year’s Overall Achievement Award.

Best US Sets

Shambaugh Confederate Currency Collection - Set 1

The Civil War through the Confederacy’s currency is chronicled masterfully in this Best US set. Set owner Mr. Robert L. Shambaugh Jr. states that for more than three decades he has collected Civil War artifacts, with a focus on Confederate currency. The visually exciting and sometimes eclectic engravings used by the Confederacy on their currency are most fascinating. Shambaugh’s devotion to the subject and years of research are evident, culminating in this historic journey through paper money. Although the subject matter is more than 160 years old, Shambaugh has carefully curated and opened a time capsule, bringing the theme to life in this set.

George & Shirley's Jefferson Portrait Set

The primary draftsman of the Declaration of Independence and our third president is featured in this creative homage to Thomas Jefferson. George & Shirley's Jefferson Portrait Set features the president on fractional currency, a rainbow, and the current portrait on the two-dollar bill — along with everything in between. The set owner George “Old Salt” has curated a set that proudly holds the No. 1 ranking and is now the recipient of the second Best US set!

Marcelo Gonzalez eagles

The majestic Large-size $1 Silver Certificate Black Eagle series of 1899, which features our national bird — the bald eagle — is a popular and highly coveted note for collectors. Though the series is dated 1899, the Black Eagle was produced until 1923. According to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a total of 3.6 billion were printed in that time frame. Yet slightly more than a century later, a minuscule figure of slightly under 20,000 notes appear in total in the PMG Population Report for all of this series (FR #s 226-236). Amazingly, Mr. Marcelo Gonzalez's complete set reports in with an average grade of PMG 64.5!

Best World Sets

Second Republic, 1961-Date, (No Specimen)

This colorful and historic second Republic of Cuba series makes for a truly remarkable presentation. The owner SBE has carefully preserved and curated the circulating currency of Cuba. The variety and scope are a visual treat. The journey of six decades of policy and politics represented here are colorful and historic. This No. 2-ranked set is a worthy recipient of Best World Sets recognition.

The Michael T. Ungaro Cambodia Complete, 1955-Date, P1-Date, Issued Notes Collection #1

This complete Cambodia collection representing the last 70 years of this ancient Far East nation is a cultural, colorful experience. The spiritual and native themes of the 1950s through 1960s weave their way to the more political dominated denominations. The set's owner, Mikey Eyes, is to be congratulated on his achievement. A tour of this No. 1-ranked set's expansive gallery is always recommended.

Germany Imperial Bank Notes 1876-1919 (SchwarzerEinser)

The German Imperial banknotes collection of 1876 to 1919 chronicles the German Empire through World War I. SchwarzerEinser's 31 notes in their set deliver a historic pathway through culture and commerce. The distinct text and bold lettering featured on many of the notes are fantastic. Several of the higher denomination notes' backs showcase fabulous engravings of the regal and Imperial state.

Best Presented Sets

Phillips' - Vietnam Dedication

A truly wonderful dedication and gallery presentation of Military Payment Certificates used during the Vietnam era. Steve Phillips' No. 1-ranked complete set, while nostalgic for some, may be a bitter memory for others. The iconic designs and preservation of this scrip is undeniable, and a tour of the set gallery is highly recommended.

English Paper Money, Complete, Including Varieties

Truly a royal tour, set owner Lamb7's Bank of England note collection is a fantastic look at the country’s paper money heritage from its proud yet simple early years and stretching all the way to the present day. Edward VII through Charles III are represented here. A wonderful run of the historic uniface currency is tremendous. These classic white notes, printed on one side with text printed in glorious, bold English script featuring the symbolic and national emblem Britannia in the upper left corner, are simply regal. All in all, truly a remarkable set and a visit to the gallery is a must.

Shadi Samhan Iraqi Collection

The kingdom of Iraq is showcased here in superb fashion through its currency. The evolution of printing and engraving is especially appealing when viewing the notes printed in the early 1930s, as are those printed post-World War II, as the later issues’ use of color is indeed captivating. Set owner Sam.collectibles is to be praised for the quality and scope selected and presented here. As always, a visit to their superb gallery is highly suggested.

The PMG Registry is a free online platform where collectors register and display their certified notes and can compete against other collectors around the world for recognition and prizes.