Is collecting considered a hobby?

Leroy

Not trying to be sarcastic here, it was brought to my attention yesterday that although the words "hobby" and "collector" are often used the same way, they also have totally different meanings. I never really thought about it, what do you think?

ricko

They are pretty much the same thing. Sometimes, a collecting hobby also turns into a business... as we see here on the forum. It happens in many other hobbies as well. Often there is a progression... it starts with collecting.. becomes a hobby (this includes research, group memberships, technical knowledge etc.) and then MAY move into a business of selling the objects of one's collecting hobby. Cheers, RickO

lkeigwin

Since the 15th century coin collecting has been known as The Hobby of Kings. That's good enough for me.
Lance.

Cougar1978

I see collecting as more as an activity in a hobby - numismatics which can be both a business and hobby.

RYK

It's a hobvestivity.

messydesk

In general, not all hobbies are collecting, not all collecting is a hobby.

With regard to numismatics, one can clearly participate in the hobby and enjoy collections without collecting. One can also collect coins without it being a hobby, but that probably borders on a disorder, and the collection is more like a hoard.

DIMEMAN

It's a fun way to tie up a lot of money.

ricko

@RYK...."It's a hobvestivity." Good one.... covers the entire subject. Cheers, RickO

Nap

Coin collecting is the quintessential hobby.

When people think of hobbies, they think of old men sitting in a room by themselves putting old coins or stamps into a book. That and maybe model railroads.