Generally, a "type" card collector is looking to obtain at least one example of a card from every set to add to his portfolio. With that being said, type collectors will usually have parameters for what they are collecting - an example might be to collect one card from every baseball set issued before 1970. Another example would be to collect one card from every basketball insert set from 1986 to the current day.

There are several benefits that come with building a card specimen library, which is basically what a type collector does. It allows the collector to have immediate access to examples that can be used as references. Having a card in hand allows one to learn characteristics of cards that cannot be seen with internet scans - things such as card weight, card stock, color details, and fine printing points that can only be seen on the originals. Secondly, this kind of collection allows one to make incredible progress without spending large amounts of money. Granted, a collector may buy either a Mickey Mantle or Joey Amalfitano card as their 1962 Topps baseball specimen, but it's a decision the collector himself has the freedom to make.

Collectors of newer cards may decide to pursue one card from each of the regular issue and insert sets, simply because it is not practical (or possible) to try collecting complete sets of everything. You may not wish to spend $80 on a Joe Montana jersey card, but might be willing to spend $10 on Fred Biletnikoff's jersey card from the same set. Collecting one card from each of the newer sets is much easier to do if you have access to a card shop or shows. Spending a quarter here and fifty cents there will go a long way when you don't have to pay shipping costs!

Some collectors specialize in rare, vintage examples. It is all but impossible to complete a 1909 T206 baseball set, but respectable common cards from the set may be found online for $20 each or less. One of the scarcest post-war sets in existence is the 1955 Kahn's Wieners set, and even the cheapest card from this six player issue will probably cost over $100 in only fair condition. Heaven help the collector who decides to buy a complete six-card near mint set!