Why isn't one copy enough?

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Posted By: Tim Newcomb

I wrote this in response to another thread, but I decided to post a new one so as not to hijack that one, or target anybody individually, which is not my intention. So I'll make a general query:

I heard from a friend that the M116 Fred Tenney card, which should be a common, is so tough supposedly because a descendant of Tenney's feverishly buys every copy of it that she can find.

I've heard about this kind of thing, but frankly I've never begun to understand it:

why would a collector want more than one copy of a given card if there's no variation involved?

Now:

1. I can understand the concept of upgrading to the best copy (of, say, a T206 green Cobb) you can find (but then why keep the lesser one?);

2. I can understand having multiples of a desirable card on hand for trade bait in tough sets (but if you're not working on the set...?);

3. I can understand working on multiple T206 sets, or different combinations within a set(like a T206 HOF set and a T206 Tigers set);

4. I can understand the concept of investing in multiple T206 Ty Cobbs if you believe they'll appreciate -- but this is not going to happen naturally with Fred Tenneys


But:

I do not understand hoarding as many copies of the same card as you can find. Even if the card is of a relative or something, wouldn't one or two be enough?

Does this strike anyone else as not fully in the spirit of congenial collecting? Could it be an attempt to intentionally create a scarcity?

Maybe I'm missing something and you all can explain it to me.............

Tim