Question about advanced collectors

At what point can one consider themselves an advanced collector? Does it depend on how long you've collected, how much you've acquired, or knowledge gained? A combination of all three? Really interested to hear everyone's thoughts.

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by NewEnglandBaseBallist

At what point can one consider themselves an advanced collector? Does it depend on how long you've collected, how much you've acquired, or knowledge gained? A combination of all three? Really interested to hear everyone's thoughts.

Well, I can tell you what it's not:

It's not based on the size of your checking account after all mail has been delivered.

But seriously, I think when others begin to seek you out with questions could be an indicator.

Also, most 'advanced' collectors concentrate on one time frame, relatively speaking...for instance, most of our board members are very advance in pre-war materials, but not nearly as much with 'modern' releases. Which, of course, is by choice. The modern stuff, in general, is much easier to locate or investigate, but not as easy IMO to appreciate.

[abothebear]

The first rule of Advanced Collecting is never talk about Advanced Collecting.

[glchen]

I think it's generally the knowledge gained part and how that impacts your collecting. For example, if you know all of the different poses and variations for particular cards for the Old Judge set or you are familiar with very obscure sets that collectors don't know about. For example, an advanced collector might collect T206 backs down to the Factory Number while a regular collector of the set may not integrate that into their collecting. Or an advanced E98 collector would try to accumulate all of the colors while the normal collector would just go for one card for each player.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I thought it referred to advanced age, which would make Frank B. an advanced collector.

I would think the ability to identify all known vintage cards without needing to use any kind of a reference would make you advanced?

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I thought it referred to advanced age, which would make Frank B. an advanced collector.

If you take the nonsense perpetrated by the likes of Peter S. with a grain of salt, you are indeed an advanced collector.

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

If you take the nonsense perpetrated by the likes of Peter S. with a grain of salt, you are indeed an advanced collector.

You'll notice TED Z. staying out of this part of the discussion...

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by glchen

I think it's generally the knowledge gained part and how that impacts your collecting.

Agreed, an advanced collector to me is someone with additional depth. Think PSA Master Set Collector (all variations) compared to Basic Set.
It also shows that you've identified which cards and sets you like and you try to focus your collection more narrowly.

[wonkaticket]

Originally Posted by NewEnglandBaseBallist

At what point can one consider themselves an advanced collector? Does it depend on how long you've collected, how much you've acquired, or knowledge gained? A combination of all three? Really interested to hear everyone's thoughts.

It's sort of like AAA a monthly fee, you do get priority boarding on Southwest.

[Econteachert205]

I think there are multiple definitions of an advanced collector.

1. A specimen collector who either looks for perfect cards, or rare types, or variations.

2. A collector who spends a buttload of money.

3. A collector with advanced knowledge in certain areas of the hobby.

[barrysloate]

It's a combination of collecting for a long time, putting together a pretty big collection (that's subjective of course), and knowing a ton about the hobby and the history of what you collect. An advanced collector is the total package.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

It's a combination of collecting for a long time, putting together a pretty big collection (that's subjective of course), and knowing a ton about the hobby and the history of what you collect. An advanced collector is the total package.

But where in the world is there in the world, a man so extraordinaire?
C'est toi?

[K-Nole]

Funny thing this topic comes up now.

I literally just got done getting advice and gaining knowledge from a main poster here.

I was so upset that I lost out on an auction that I wanted sooooo bad.

After talking to him, I found out the cards were fakes. I am so at ease now.

Thanks to the advanced guys on this board!!!!

[pingman59]

That pretty much covers it for me.

At the 1998 National in Chicago, I approached a well-known dealer in vintage cards (of all grades) if he had any 1947 Tip Top baseball cards. His reply was, "Oh, are you an advanced collector?" I then proceeded to disclose that I was looking for a 47 Tip Top of a player from my home town. His demeanor changed, as did his opinion of me. I was no longer an advanced collector. LOL!

[drcy]

If, with eyes closed, you can identify the T206 back brand by the smell of the tobacco residue, you're advanced.

If you need to also lick the card, you're merely pretty advanced.

[irishdenny]

Advanced Collector = An Individual who has forgotten more about Prewar Cards than I'll Ever Know.

[Jeffrompa]

Growing up in a house with 2 million postcards I would say the advanced comes from the acquisition and the knowledge gained in being able to see all the variations . I know I am not an advanced collector for sure .

[gnpaden]

Based on knowledge and insight in my opinion. My LCS calls/asks advice on vintage collections that come in, so I consider myself "knowledgable"

[dabigyankeeman]

When almost everything I see now that I still need or want is too expensive for me to buy!!!!!

[conor912]

It's all relative. I have a group of friends who are baseball fans but not collectors. To them, my collection is mind-blowing and I am the resident card expert. On this board, my collection and knowledge are pretty ho-hum by comparison.

[familytoad]

Yeah , that's good!