The Psychology of Collectors: Why Do We Collect?
On Delcampe, we have over 28,000 categories of collectibles. Over the 25 years we’ve been in business, we’ve had time to visit trade fairs and meet thousands of enthusiasts driven by the same passion: collecting.
Whether they collect coins, books or champagne capsules, collectors share a common spirit that constantly draws them to seek out that rare item to complete their collection.
The question we’re going to ask here is very simple: why do we collect?
There are several possible answers, and above all, none of them is mutually exclusive, but here are a few points to consider.
Psychological pleasure
Collecting brings a sense of satisfaction: finding a rare item, completing a set, organising one’s collection… All of this provides a sense of achievement and control. It is also a source of lasting pleasure, not just instant gratification.
Collectors love ticking boxes and showing off their collection. Every gem they discover brings real satisfaction.
Emotional attachment
Many collections are linked to memories (childhood, travel, family) or a passion (music, sport, history, art). The object then becomes imbued with meaning, far beyond its material value.
A typical example is in postcard collecting; for instance, if you have a house in a village, collecting old photographs of that same village is a classic hobby. I am also thinking of a friend who collects ‘Le Journal de Véronique’ because she used to read it as a young girl.
The need for order and structure
Classifying, sorting and cataloguing helps some people feel at peace. A collection is a small, coherent universe within a world that can sometimes be chaotic.
It is true that you cannot just collect anything and everything. A collection needs to be looked after and organised and for this purpose, there is specialised equipment such as coin albums, for example.
Curiosity and learning
Every object can serve as a gateway to knowledge: a particular era, a technique, a story. Many collectors become true experts in their field and can talk endlessly about a particular era. Often, collectors’ items are mysteries, but sometimes they also provide answers to historical questions!
💰 The value (sometimes)
Some people also collect with a view toinvesting, although for the majority, the primary motivation remains enjoyment and passion. I have met people who started out with this investment mindset and who, in the end, ended up buying more and becoming passionate about it! 😉
In short, collecting is a blend of pleasure, meaning, memory and passion. And you? What drives your passion for collecting?
Surely the gentleman looking at a coin in your photograph, SHOULD be wearing GLOVES of some sort as the chemicals and oils in a persons skin can leave marks ??? I am NOT a coin collector as such, but the two medalions that I do have for my collecting subject, I always use gloves to handle them… Just a thought !
I read years ago that philately was indicative of a disordered childhood, fulfilling “the need for order and structure.” A psychological benefit of collecting is the teaching of delayed gratification.