Most collectors collect only new. A single scratch on the striker reduces the value of the matchcover significantly. Old and new highly collectible matchcovers are rare. Special matchbooks or those that are old or fragile are left intact. These are known in the collecting field as full books.
Many collectors seek celebrity matchcovers.
These include covers from celebrity owned businesses, celebrity endorsements, and promotional matches from movies and radio and television shows. The Diamond Match Company first produced celebrity matches in the 1930 s. Each set was categorized by topic. Football and baseball Greats and movie stars are depicted on the covers. These matchcovers are highly collectible and complete sets are extremely rare.