Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rare or valuable object that is sought by collectors: An item that is considered desirable to own due to its rarity, uniqueness, historical significance, or quality, often making it the centerpiece of a collection.

Usage

• The term "collector's item" is used to describe an object that holds special value to collectors. It emphasizes the item's status as a prized possession within a collection, often due to factors like limited availability, age, or association with a notable person or event. It is typically used as a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • That first-edition book signed by the author is a real collector's item.
  • The vintage car, one of only ten ever made, is a true collector's item.
  • She found a collector's item at the flea market: a rare porcelain doll from the 1920s.

Advanced Usage

• "to be/become a collector's item": This phrase describes the process or state of an object gaining such status.
  • Limited-run prints by this artist quickly become collector's items.
• Used attributively (before another noun) to describe the category of an item.
  • He specializes in collector's item stamps.

Variants and Related Words

• Collectible (noun/adjective): An item valued and sought by collectors; suitable for collecting. While similar, "collectible" can refer to a broader range of items that are commonly collected, whereas "collector's item" often implies a higher degree of rarity or prestige.
  • Action figures from the 1980s are popular collectibles.
• Prize piece (noun): A synonym emphasizing the item as the most valuable or impressive in a collection.
• Showpiece (noun): An item displayed to attract admiration, often the best example of its kind.

Synonyms

• Rarity: Something uncommon or scarce.
• Treasure: A valuable or precious object.
• Curio: A rare, unusual, or intriguing object.

Related Phrases

• Crown jewel: (Idiom) The most valuable or prized possession in a group or collection. This is a figurative synonym.
  • This painting is the crown jewel of his art collection.

Notes

• The term is often hyphenated ("collector's-item") when used attributively before a noun, though the open form ("collector's item") is also common. Its meaning is inherently positive, denoting an object of special interest and value to enthusiasts.

Noun

1. the outstanding item (the prize piece or main exhibit) in a collection