The Appeal of Collectible Trading Pins
Collectible pin trading has become a part of sporting events worldwide. Dubbed “the Number One Spectator Sport of the Olympic Games,” trading pins attract young and old alike, from many nations. Olympic pins, Little League pins, in virtually any sport and from virtually any country, trading pins help bring people together.
Pin trading is a huge event at the Little League World Series, held each year in Williamsport, Pa., a part of the annual tradition. Pin traders set up shop at a hotel in the city, and in a tent at the complex where the games are held. Macon.com reported in August 2009 that “pins … are almost legal tender in some parts of Williamsport.” Children and adults alike are drawn into the appeal of colorful pins representing teams from around the world. Time Magazine reported that an estimated 3 million pins were exchanged at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
According to Little League Online, trading pins began with the modern Olympics in Athens, Greece in 1896, used to identify officials and athletes. The first true pin – in the Swedish colors of blue and yellow -- appeared in 1906. Within a few years, athletes began trading pins as a symbol of international friendship.
Pin trading really took off at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y., with spectators and pin collectors joining the athletes in celebrating world harmony. Today, even corporate sponsors such as Coca-Cola have gotten into the game. Coke created its own Official Olympic Pin Trading Center at the 1988 Calgary Games. According to the Coca-Cola website, the center drew more than 17,000 visitors a day.
Coke’s trading pin center at the 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain, saw more than 500,000 people, representing 70 countries. The pins’ size, attractive designs, affordable pricing and uniqueness as a memento of the Games increase their desirability as souvenirs. Coke’s website notes that the pins “serve as cultural currency – sparking trades, creating personal connections and breaking down barriers among people of different backgrounds languages and customs.”
While the “going rate” for trading pins is one-for-one, rare or special pins often command a higher exchange, sometimes up to 10 other pins for each one of the desired type.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, trading pins even took on a degree of political significance. Blogger Courtney Woo reported on HuffingtonPost.com that Chinese collectors preferred pins from American and Taiwanese official organizations.
Closer to home, the Walt Disney Company offers its own trading pins, and sponsors pin trading events at its theme parks worldwide. Park guests trade pins with each other, and with Disney employees.
Ultimately, trading pins offer a fun hobby at an affordable price to many people. They’re a chance to meet new people, make new friends, bridge cultures and languages. Not bad for a simple pin.