What makes a great collector?

[Archive]

Posted By: bruce Dorskind

A great collector by definition is one who has built a world class collection.

Whether it is the Rockefeller collection of African art, Forbes collection of
Faberge eggs, Elisaberg coin collection or Wharton-Tigar tobacco card
collection, the quality of the collection was world class in every way.

Each of these collectors contributed greatly to the public's base of knowledge
in their writings and lectures and ultimately the collections each found
their way into a museum.

A great collector must be far more than a nice person who loves the hobby;
he or she must be a true student of the craft; someone who is passionate
about his/her chosen specialty and someone who is focused on acquiring
outstanding examples of the items that he/she collects.

Most great collectors have taken the time to learn about the provenance of the
items they collect, whilst focusing on acquiring the best known examples, extant.

We are not suggesting that only those who collect the highest graded cards
can be called great collectors, but rather that one's contribution to the craft
and one's level of taste are essential criteria for the great collector

Bruce

America's Toughest Want List