Collecting is more than just a hobby: it can be a source of joy, a way of self-expression and even a profitable investment. And the fascinating process of searching for rare objects enables you of course to add to your collection, as well as better understand history, art and culture.
By the way, the interest of collectors is also in the fact that many valuable artifacts over time become real riches. So, if we are talking about coins, then, for example, 1949 nickel value only grows over the years at auctions, attracting the attention of collectors from all over the world.
Celebrities also find inspiration in collecting. For some it is an opportunity to surround themselves with rare objects, for others - a way to keep in touch with the past. Nicole Kidman, for example, is fond of old coins, and Tom Hanks collects vintage typewriters, appreciating their aesthetics and mechanical precision. Each of them has their own passion, which makes their collections unique.
What other unusual collections do celebrities have? Why is collecting more than a hobby, but a way to see the world at another angle? And how to start your own way as a collector? Let's find out together today.
Celebrity Collections: From Coins to Typewriters
Nicole Kidman and Her Passion for Coin Collecting
Nicole Kidman is known for her roles in blockbuster films, but off-screen, she has a quieter passion - coin collecting. Unlike the glitzy world of Hollywood, coin collecting offers her something deeper: a reliable link to history. For Kidman, holding an ancient coin is like having a piece of the past, a tiny piece that once passed through the hands of emperors, merchants, and warriors.
She is particularly interested in coins from ancient civilizationы (including Greek, Roman, and medieval European pieces). The beauty of these coins lies behind their rarity but in the stories they tell - stories of lost empires, great conquests, and economic revolutions. In the table below you may see some examples of coins that Kidman would likely be interested in:
Coin | Origin | Era | Interesting Fact |
Athenian Tetradrachm | Ancient Greece | 5th Century BCE | Featured the famous owl of Athena, a symbol of wisdom. |
Roman Denarius | Ancient Rome | 1st Century BCE | Often depicted rulers like Julius Caesar or Augustus. |
Byzantine Solidus | Byzantine Empire | 6th Century CE | Made of pure gold, used across Europe and the Middle East. |
Medieval Ducat | Venice, Italy | 14th Century | A preferred coin for international trade due to its consistent gold content. |
Tip: If you are also inspired by coins and just start your first collection, consider installing modern tools like Coin ID Scanner that can help you identify and evaluate coins instantly. Be you are checking for authenticity, determining a coin’s historical significance, or even looking up its value, the app makes it easier for you to navigate the world of numismatics.
Unusual Celebrity Collections: A Passion for History and Vintage
Not all celebrities collect coins - some of them have much quirkier interests that reflect their love for history and nostalgia.
Tom Hanks – The Vintage Typewriter Collector
Tom Hanks, a Hollywood legend, is also obsessed with vintage typewriters. He owns more than 250 models, and some of them even date back to the early 1900s. Hanks says he is particularly impressed by the mechanical precision of old typewriters, the satisfying click of the keys, and the way they force you to slow down and think before typing. He even writes letters on them, proving that sometimes, old-school methods still have a place in today's hi-tech reality.
Quentin Tarantino - A Love for Antique Board Games
Quentin Tarantino, the mastermind behind films like Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained, has an unusual obsession: collecting vintage board games. But not any board games, as he focuses on options tied to classic movies and pop culture from the 1960s and 1970s. Some examples from his collection include:
The Godfather Board Game (1971) - A rare game inspired by the iconic mob film.
Bonanza Western Game (1960s) - A game based on the popular TV series Bonanza.
Planet of the Apes Board Game (1974) - A piece of sci-fi history in board game form.
Tarantino sees these games as more than just collectibles, namely they are artifacts of a bygone era, capturing the entertainment trends of their time.
Collecting as a Way to Recreate the World in Miniature
For some celebrities, collecting isn’t just about owning rare or valuable objects, it is about creating an entire world in miniature. Beit meticulously crafted train sets or action figures from beloved films, these collections enable their owners to step into another reality, shaped by nostalgia, passion, and personal creativity.
Rod Stewart – Model Trains and a Miniature 1940s City
Rock legend Rod Stewart may be famous for his raspy voice and timeless hits, but offstage, he has an unexpected passion - building model train sets. And this isn’t just any collection of trains; Stewart has spent over 20 years constructing a detailed replica of 1940s Chicago and New York, complete with skyscrapers, bridges, and tiny people going about their daily lives.
Stewart’s love for model trains started when he was a child, and one his career skyrocketed, so did his collection. He has even designed and built most of the structures himself (proving that his creativity extends far beyond music). He also says that the process of assembling and painting miniature buildings is just as rewarding as performing on stage.
Leonardo DiCaprio – Collecting Action Figures of Movie Icons
When he is not starring in blockbuster films, Leonardo DiCaprio has another passion - yes, it ui collecting action figures. But not just any action figures - he’s after rare and iconic pieces from pop culture history. His collection include the following pieces:
Star Wars figurines - Original collectibles from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - A nostalgic throwback to one of the most famous animated series of the ‘80s.
Classic superhero figures - Including vintage Batman and Superman toys from the early years of comic book merchandise.
DiCaprio has even spent thousands of dollars on ultra-rare figures, proving that even the biggest Hollywood stars aren’t immune to childhood desires. For him, these action figures aren’t just toys, they are pieces of cultural history, representing different eras of entertainment.
Beginner’s Recommendations to Collecting: Where to Start?
Now you have read the article and are also inspired by celebrity collectors? Well, you can also begin your way in collecting, and the process is easier than you think. And firstly you need to start with something that piques your interest. Whether it's rare coins, antique books, movie memorabilia or fine art, pick something that piques your curiosity.
Do not be in a hurry to make expensive purchases right away. Many beginning collectors make the mistake of buying expensive items too quickly. Rather, start with more affordable items and gradually build up. The rule is simple: the more you learn, the smarter your choices will be.
Remember, that technology here can also be a deciding factor. If you are into coins, a Coin ID Scanner can help you quickly verify authenticity and value. Another thing is online collector forums, which are also a great choice to communicate with others and get opinions from experienced hobbyists. So consider joining collectors' groups, attending conventions and auctions to help you find like-minded people who share your passion. Whatever you collect - nostalgia, history or investments - the most enjoyable part is the journey itself.
Window into a World of Wonder
Collecting is more than just a hobby. It's an opportunity to touch history, fulfill dreams and discover the world from a new perspective. Whether you collect coins, vintage typewriters or rare artifacts, every collection is a story told through objects. And who knows, maybe today is the day your own collecting adventure will begin?