Here's how:
Common noun: When "collection" refers to a general group of things, it's a common noun.
* Example: "I have a large collection of stamps." Here, "collection" simply means a group of stamps.
Collective noun: When "collection" refers to a group of things considered as a single unit, it's a collective noun.
* Example: "The collection was on display at the museum." Here, "collection" refers to the whole group of items as a single entity, like a unit or exhibit.
So, it depends on the specific usage and the intended meaning!