The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) recently announced its 2026 NGC Registry Award Winners and “The Young Victoria Collection” was recognized as one of the World’s Best Classic Sets! Here’s what they had to say:

“Rather than pursuing every Victorian Sovereign, John C. Mercer has focused his attention on what many collectors consider the series’ most beautiful design: the Young Head portrait introduced in 1838. Featuring Queen Victoria with her hair gathered in a high bun, the type remained in use until 1885 and is prized for both its elegance and its scarcity, as heavy circulation removed many examples from survival. Concentrating on these early issues, Mercer has assembled 41 of the 67 required coins, achieving 61 percent completion while remaining the category leader for seven of the past eight years. The collection is beautifully balanced, progressing from attractive Choice About Uncirculated examples among the scarcer early dates to Mint State coins for many later issues. It is a wonderful reminder that Registry success often comes from pursuing a carefully defined vision rather than simply maximizing completion.”

The Young Victoria Collection in its entirety can be seen here.