PCGS Set Registry Showdown: The J&L and Escalante Collections

Classic commemorative coins were struck from 1892 through 1954 and represent one of the most diverse areas of the United States numismatic catalog. However, building a set of commemorative coins is no easy undertaking. Many boast low mintages and even lower populations. Even in circulated condition, a basic 50-piece type set can easily set a collector back more than $10,000. An entire 144-coin set, inclusive of each date-and-mintmark combination for each type struck plus the various varieties counted among these coins tops $25,000 even in circulated condition.

While many collectors have built commemorative sets, two collections stand out as among the very best in quality and eye appeal – the J&L Collection and Escalante Collection. Both sets have been years in the making.

This magnificent 1926 Oregon Trail Half Dollar graded PCGS MS69 is one of the highlights from the legendary J&L Collection, which will be featured in the PCGS Set Registry Showdown at the Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) Show on April 26-29, 2023. Courtesy of PCGS TrueView.

Collectors John and Linda, of the famous “J&L” handle, embarked on assembling a complete set of commemoratives in the best grades they could find. John acquired his first commemorative, an Oregon Trail Half Dollar, in the early 1970s as part of a subscription program. By the mid-2000s, the PCGS Set Registry was on the scene and one of John and Linda’s commemorative sets entered the PCGS Set Registry Hall of Fame. But they wanted to assemble the finest set of all time – a goal that could enter the seven figures and take many years to accomplish. In 2005, John purchased a famous collection of commemoratives that became the nucleus of the newly named J&L Collection, which expanded into a 144coin endeavor.

Two of John and Linda’s crowning achievements came in 2018, when their magnificent set was displayed at the World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia that August and at the Long Beach Expo a few weeks later in September. Sadly, Linda passed away in 2021, but John continues curating the J&L Collection in her memory. “She was a huge partner in this journey,” said John. “I could have never done this on my own. It was vital to have experts by my side, helping me along the way.” Among his counsel he named commemorative specialists Don and Helen Carmody, Bill Johnson, David Schweitz, and Larry Shepherd.

The Escalante Collection showcases a remarkable set of commemorative coins with outstanding color and eye appeal, including this PCGS MS67 1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar. Those attending the 2023 Central States Numismatic Society Show will have the opportunity to see it in person at the event in Schaumburg, Illinois. Courtesy of PCGS TrueView.

Mason, the owner of the 50-coin Escalante Collection, began his numismatic journey decades ago when he began receiving silver half dollars and silver dollars from his grandfather as payment for helping maintain his sprawling property. Over the years, Mason’s collecting tastes grew, with his penchant for pretty patinas stemming from a set of colorful Walking Liberty Half Dollars included in the landmark 1987 sale of coins owned by The Beverly Hillbillies actor Buddy Ebsen.

“I didn't really follow classic commemoratives until I stopped by Larry Shepherd's table at the Long Beach Expo several years ago,” explained Mason. “He had on display a significant group of amazingly toned commemoratives that caught my eye, and I was off and running from there!” He sought classic commemoratives of all manner, with the contingency that they possess what he calls “super color.” Part of the challenge of building such a set is the elusiveness of such coins, and the fact that, when they do appear, they frequently hammer for astronomical prices.

Highlights from Mason’s collection will go head-to-head against selections from the J&L Collection in the PCGS Set Registry Showdown at the Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) Show, being held April 26-29, 2023, in Schaumburg, Illinois. CSNS Executive Manager Larry Shepherd remarked, “Both collectors demand only the best, and have the eye for quality and beauty to back that up.” He added, “In fact, I’m confident these two collectors own between themselves at least 95% of all the finest-known [classic commemoratives] in existence.”

Shepherd, an admirer of the J&L and Escalante Collections, is also a fan of the people who own them. “These two gentlemen epitomize what coin collecting is all about. Both gentlemen in the PCGS Set Registry Showdown are not only amazing collectors, but also stand among a very small handful of people I consider my best friends in life.”

Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez has won multiple awards from the NLG and ANA for his work as a numismatic journalist and editor. He has been a coin collector since 1992 and enjoys all areas of United States coinage and U.S. minting history.