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"Collecting Isn’t Just a Hobby, It’s a Lifelong Journey"
In the third episode of Complete Collector's Incomplete podcast, Aaron explores the psychology, passion, and nostalgia behind collecting following the release of a brand new Collector Survey from Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's and Hornby Hobbies. He’s joined by Guy Stainthorpe, Brand Managing Director of Corgi and the Corgi Model Club, and Dominic Chorney, ancient coin specialist and auctioneer at Baldwin’s.
What follows is a fascinating, heartfelt look into how and why collectors become collectors and why they never really stop.
As it turns out, collecting is rarely random. Most collectors begin their journey early in life. A toy car, a coin from a grandparent, a book gifted on a birthday, these small but powerful moments spark something enduring.
Guy reflects on his first die-cast Concorde toy as the emotional trigger that pulled him into the world of model cars. Dominic recalls the way coins, passed down or discovered, create lifelong interests. Some collectors might not even return to the hobby until decades later, Guy notes, but once it’s there, it never really leaves.
Their discussion is backed by a major survey carried out by Hornby and Stanley Gibbons, revealing that over 60 percent of collectors start before the age of 24, many even before 12. As collectors age, their motivations often deepen. What starts as play can become a source of emotional grounding, a link to the past, or even a much-needed escape.
Collecting offers people a retreat, Guy explains. In a busy, screen-filled world, there’s comfort in physical things like models, coins, or books that you can hold, research, and admire. Dominic agrees, noting that ancient coins are especially powerful. They’re artefacts. They outlast empires. It’s not just owning something old, it’s connecting with history itself.
Across models, coins, stamps, or even Pokémon cards, collectors share common drivers: nostalgia, uniqueness, emotional connection, and storytelling. These threads unite collectors of all ages and interests. Corgi collectors often reference personal memories like a bus route they used as a child or a car their parent drove. Coin collectors may be drawn to emperors they studied in school or to the history embedded in Roman silver. There’s always a story, says Dominic. Sometimes, the value isn't in the item itself but in the moment it represents.
Every collector eventually hits a turning point. As interests mature and disposable income grows, their collecting habits evolve. There’s a cycle, says Guy. You start collecting everything you can, then you narrow your focus. Eventually, you start curating your collection rather than expanding it. The survey echoes this, revealing that while collections often begin with volume, they become more about quality, rarity, and meaning over time.
While some collectors hope their pieces appreciate in value, both guests caution against treating collectibles purely as investments. Buy what you love, Dominic says. If it happens to gain value, that’s a bonus, but don’t chase trends. That said, historical and cultural events like the release of Gladiator II or Drive to Survive can cause temporary booms in interest and sales. But enduring value, they argue, comes from deeper connections.
In a world moving toward digital everything, collecting remains rooted in the physical. You can’t download a coin, Dominic quips. And Guy adds, You can’t 3D print nostalgia. Despite the rise of NFTs and online communities, collectors crave something tangible. Whether it’s a bus model that reminds you of childhood trips or a Roman coin from a forgotten era, it’s the realness that counts.
One major takeaway from the episode is that collecting is not fading, it's evolving. With more people entering the hobby each year and new generations collecting in different ways, the passion for collectibles remains strong. To celebrate this enduring culture, the podcast team hints at an exciting announcement: the launch of National Collectors Day, a tribute to the people, stories, and objects that make collecting so powerful.
Listen to the Full Episode
To hear more insights, anecdotes, and laughs from Guy, Dominic, and Aaron, tune in to Episode 3 of Incomplete, now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
