What makes a collector a collector?

ccr

Does it mean how much money you spend? How much you have in your collection? Is it the enjoyment of getting that one/lot of special coin(s) ? Is it the study and documentation of coins that makes it ( like Sheldon or Breen )? So, what makes a collector a collector? So far, I can`t come up with an answer.

ARCO

Not the money, it is the passion!

Tyler

jonesy

A collector is a collector when they go out of the way to save something.

keets

What makes a collector a collector?

a collection.

al h.

airplanenut

I think a collector is someone who partakes in the hobby to enjoy it. A numismatist is in the hobby to learn and spread knowledge. On these boards, I think we are all, to an extent, both.

Then, I think a snob is someone who is out soley for himself and is willing to leave any other collector behind. I don't think you can be a collector if you aren't passionate enough about the hobby to spread its joy, whether to someone young and starting new, or to someone knowledgeable, yet still in pursuit of learning more.

Jeremy

vrtech99

Very well said Jeremy!

ccr

I agree, well said.

MrEureka

Then, I think a snob is someone who is out soley for himself and is willing to leave any other collector behind. I don't think you can be a collector if you aren't passionate enough about the hobby to spread its joy, whether to someone young and starting new, or to someone knowledgeable, yet still in pursuit of learning more.

Actually, a snob is someone who looks down on others. Selfishness and competitiveness are separate issues. And as for collectors being required to "spread its joy", well, no, that's not how it works. But it's nice when it happens.

LincolnCentMan

If you go to Pizza Hutt and think, "I can get a pizza, or a $10 coin," then you're a collector....

airplanenut

<< <i>If you go to Pizza Hutt and think, "I can get a pizza, or a $10 coin," then you're a collector.... >>

Or, when you see a give a penny/take a penny tray, you search it for wheaties... then you search the rest of your change

BigMoose

I believe that true collectors are someone who appreciate the objects they collect as footprints of history, things of artistic beauty, and talismans of times long gone by. These items are prized by collectors far more than the money they ponied up to purchase them.

MrEureka

These items are prized by collectors far more than the money they ponied up to purchase them.

But perhaps less than a pan pizza?

ROBBItheOKIE

A collector is a person that aquires certain things to save and not get rid of. OH kind of missed the question didn't I. What makes a collector a collector?, A frame of mind and a certain way of looking at things.

nwcs

>What makes a collector a collector?

A collection. Things preserved for their own sake and not for any other beneficial purpose.