Collectors

Have you been watching shows like Hardcore Pawn or Pawn Stars? Addictive right!? Well, I’m sure you’ve wondered how or why these people walking into these stores collect coins, stamps, comics, antique autos, baseball cards, etc. If you’re like my mom- you think its junk and just throw everything away in sight.  That’s why my sticker/Sanrio collection lasted only until 14 year of age.  The items people collect often have little intrinsic value.  In fact, they are hazardous. It’s practically not liquid. So why do these collectors spend tons of dough on this “junk?”

Several theories exist.  One of them is evolutionary theory which suggests that collecting should be positioned as a means of displaying wealth as a parent.  I’m sure you’ve looked in a magazine and seen the ad for Patek Phillippe (love) , who uses a “generations” theme.  Other theories argue that the urge to collect comes as a reaction to childhood feelings of insecurity.  For example, coin collectors usually think coins are less volatile investments than stocks and will hold their worth.  Next time, you're thinking of starting up a collection, you may want to see a psychologist first. JK!