Olympic Pins: Your Guide to Trading and Collecting

The History of Olympic Pins

Much like the Olympic Games themselves, Olympic pins have a long history that has evolved. What started as a small addition to the games, has taken on a life of its own.

Like many collections, Olympic pins are celebrated for their historical significance. They represent a mark in time.

They are a reminder of the Olympic games and the stories and people associated with Olympic moments. They give collectors a sense of physical connection to the games and the values associated with them.

Like most collections, pin collections offer a wide range of value. Some pins are rarer than others. Some have significant monetary value, but most collectors enjoy the act of simply swapping pins with others.

Here's a closer look at how this exciting hobby began.

The Original Olympic Pins

It's believed the original Olympic pins were introduced in 1896 at the games in Athens. The earliest pins were in the form of a cardboard disk.

These pins were used as a form of identification. They were given to athletes, volunteers, and members of the Olympic committee as a way to distinguish roles within the games.

While the interest in Olympic pins was not immediate, this marked the beginning of a tradition that would change the games forever.

Olympic Pin Trading

It's believed pin trading first started at the Olympics in Stockholm in 1912.

Here, athletes started to change pins as a way to promote sportsmanship and connection at the games. Athletes were often seen swapping pins during medal ceremonies.

It was around this time that select pins were released to spectators and the general public.

Collecting and Sponsorship

Olympic pin collecting became increasingly popular throughout the 1980s.

During this time, official sponsors of the games started to release official pins as a form of promotional materials. Brands like Coca-Cola and Mcdonald's have been known to release Olympic pins.

During the Olympic games in Calgary and Los Angeles, Olympic pin trading and collecting grew in popularity. A community of collectors started to form, and it soon became one of the fastest-growing hobbies around.

COVID-19 and Olympic Pin Collections

In more recent years, pin collectors have started to connect in virtual settings as well. While the majority of pin collectors prefer to meet in and around Olympic venues during the Olympic season to trade pins with one another, travel restrictions during COVID-19 prevented that from happening.

There are online Olympic pin communities like Olympin. Olympin has 500 community members from more than 30 countries around the world. The community has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee in an official capacity.

These communities allow collectors to interact and even sell Olympic pins during the time between the games. Online communities are a great place for building relationships, networking with other collectors, learning about Olympic pins, and gaining an understanding of the value of a collection.

What Is a Pinhead?

Olympic pin collectors have commonly been referred to as "pinheads." An endearing term, similar to that of other fan bases like the Grateful Dead's "deadheads", or My Little Pony's "Bronys."

Pinheads are located all over the globe and come in all ages. Pin collecting is accessible to all, which aligns with the values of the Olympic games.

Those with pin collections often seek rare pins, like limited edition pins that are hard to find. In addition to selling pins online or at auctions, many pinheads look forward to meeting in and around Olympic venues during the games. The games provide an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, exchange stories, and swap pins to expand their pin collections.

Some pinheads have more than 10,000 pins in their collection. The pins are often lapel pins, but there are several types of Olympic pins to collect.

Types of Olympic Pins

There are many different kinds of Olympic pins in existence.

The variety of pins is part of what has made this hobby so interesting and exciting. Olympic pins have come a long way since the initial cardboard disk pins were introduced in Athens in 1896. Nowadays, Olympic pins are released for a variety of purposes, by various stakeholders at the games.

Roughly 65,000 pins have been created throughout the history of the Olympic games.

Collectors often show off their pin collections using a trading pin display. While some pinheads may choose a niche, or a type of pin to focus on. Others have a wide variety of rare and less exclusive pins.

Here are some of the most sought-after types of pins for Olympic pin collections.

Bid City Pins

In 1992, each city that bid for the Olympic games released unique bid city pins. The pins came from the committee of each bid city.

Since then, most candidate cities vying to host the games have released these popular pins as a way to promote their bid. Bid city pins have become an interesting and unusual addition to any Olympic pin collection.

They mark one of the earliest authentic pins attached to the host city with a successful bid. But there is also something unique about seeing a city that was unsuccessful in its bid on a pin with the Olympic rings.

Ceremony Pins

These pins are released specifically to commemorate the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies. They are made available to those in attendance and are a great memento to remember such a significant event.

Ceremony pins also commemorate the lead-up to the games.

These Olympic pins can sell for more than $60 in online shops like eBay. Although, the value ranges depending on the host city and the pin's rarity.

Commemorative Souvenir Pins

Once a city is successful in its Olympic bid, the host city and country will release an Olympic souvenir pin.

These pins typically have Olympic symbols and colors that are specifically tied to the host city's games uniquely. They are created by the organizing committee and made available to the general public.

These pins are also popular with people who would not otherwise collect Olympic pins. It is a way for attendants and the host country to commemorate the Olympic games with a unique form of memorabilia. 

Corporate Sponsor Pins

Since Olympic pin collecting became more popular in the 1980s, official sponsors and partners of the Olympic games have taken to releasing their Olympic pins. This is a great form of marketing for corporations affiliated with the games. It has also become a popular collection item for pin collectors.

These pins usually include the company's logo, alongside the Olympic logo. Brands like Kodak, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's have all created popular Olympic pins at the games.

Sponsors release the pins in conjunction with each of the games they sponsor. The pins are made available to the general public. There is an endless variety to sponsor pins which have also aided to the thrill of Olympic pin collecting.

Government Pins

Government pins are Olympic pins that are released by the government of a host city.

These pins are usually made of enamel as well. They typically include the logo of the government in the host city, alongside some official logos for the Olympic games associated with the host city.

Limited Edition Pins

From time to time, Olympic committees will sell special edition pins. These pins are similar to other pins, except they are usually released as a limited edition.

For example, there may be a limited edition of 1000 pins in a set of closing ceremony pins. These would be sought after by pin collectors who are looking for something rare and special for their trading pin display.

Logo Pins

Another popular Olympic pin style is the logo pin.

Logo pins are exactly as they sound. They are pins that use the Olympic logo or associated imagery as the focal point of the design.

These pins have a simple design but are sought after by collectors.

Mascot Pins

Each host city introduces a unique mascot associated with its Olympic games. The Olympic mascot became a tradition in 1968 and has existed at every subsequent Olympic game. Mascots are official ambassadors for the Olympic and Paralympic games.

Mascot pins have also become a tradition and a part of the Olympic pin trading game. These pins are based almost exclusively on the image of the mascot.

Mascots were a great way to attract youth to the Olympic games. The mascots embody the spirit and values of the games.

Some of the most beloved mascots have become sought-after pins for collectors. These are fun pins to collect and are often quite adorable additions to any trading pin display.

Media House Pins

Becoming the official broadcaster of the Olympic games is an honor for any broadcasting corporation. The Olympics are watched by residents all over the world, and broadcasting from various locations overseas over several days is no easy endeavor.

Media corporations started releasing pins of their own as a means to help promote their official coverage of the Olympic games. NBC was one of the earliest corporations to get involved with this.

While the pins have become popular amongst pin collectors, they have also created a secondary community for Olympic pin trading.

It's not uncommon for reporters at the games to exchange their pins with other journalists. Journalists will often wear the pins around their press lanyards or on their jackets while they are covering the events of the games.

National Olympic Committee Pins

National Olympic Committee (NOC) pins are one of the most popular parts of any Olympic pin collection.

NOC pins are released by each country competing in the Olympic games. They are intended for athletes to exchange during the games to promote a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Of course, these have become popular items for Olympic pin collecting as well. Many collectors exchange pins with collectors from other countries as a symbolic means of connection.

Each country creates unique pins and some countries even send pins for specific sporting events. With as many as 200 countries participating, it has become next to impossible to track or place value on NOC pins.

The pins are typically enamel lapel pins that can easily be worn on a hat or jacket.

National Paralympic Committee

Each country competing in the National Paralympic games also receives unique pins for its athletes.

The athletes similarly exchange these pins as athletes at the Olympic games exchange NOC pins. It creates a sense of sportsmanship and positivity amongst the competing athletes.

NOC pins and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) pins are sometimes marked with the year, but not always. They are an interesting item for any collector to add to their collection.

Olympic Torch Pins

Torch pins are pins related to the Olympic torch relay that takes place in the days leading up to the Olympic games. There are two types of Olympic pins associated with the torch relay.

Torch relay pins are made available to the public and celebrate the torch relay itself. These pins are readily available near the location where the flame is passing through. Much like the host city pins, these are often acquired by residents looking for a way to commemorate the special occasion.

The second type of pin associated with the torch relay, are torchbearer pins. Torchbearer pins are made available to those carrying the torch and are not available to the general public. Getting your hands on one of these pins would be extremely rare and exciting for any avid collector.

Security Pins

Some of the most coveted Olympic pins are pins associated with the security of the games. These pins are distributed to officials working at the games to help identify them and provide access to secure areas.

Security pins are given to an elite corps of security guards, police officers, military members, and firefighters. They are designed for official purposes, only.

For this reason, finding these pins is extremely difficult. They are very rare and often quite valuable. For Olympic pin collectors, these are the pins to chase. They are a great addition to pin collections.

Sport Pins

In addition to countries releasing pins for specific events on occasion, the Olympic committees themselves release unique sport pins.

Sport pins celebrate individual events taking place at the Olympic games. These pins are often available to the public leading up to the Olympic games.

These pins are sought after by collectors because there are so many in existence, it's near impossible to collect them all.

Venue Pins

Venue pins identify the location of a venue, arena, or stadium used for events in each host city.

These pins will often depict an image of an event location itself, along with its name. It will often have some kind of Olympic logo associated with the host city games as well.

Venue pins are a fun pin to swap with fellow collectors outside of a venue when you meet to show off your collections. It's also a great time to pick up a venue pin while you are near the location.

Over the years many elaborate venues have been constructed specifically for the Olympic games, only to be abandoned soon after the Olympic ceremonies. These pins often mark a place in time where the venue stood strong and served its purpose to the host city.

Volunteer Pins

Another coveted style of pin is the Olympic volunteer pin.

These pins are distributed to officials at the games, as well as volunteers who are helping the organizing committee during the games.

Volunteers often exchange pins in the Olympic village. That has made these pins significant for Olympic pin collectors.

Buying and Collecting Pins

One of the easiest ways to purchase pins is leading up to the Olympic games through online shops associated with the Olympic games. However, pins are often released in limited quantities and sell out quickly.

Not all pins are made available to the general public. Most pins are not available for public sale at all. For collectors, hunting for pins on their wish list is a big part of the thrill of collecting.

Collectors can acquire new items for their Olympic pin collections in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most popular ways to collect.

Olympin Community

Several online communities connect Olympic pinheads virtually. There are Facebook groups, and forums. But the most prominent online community for Olympic pin collectors is Olympin.

Olympin is a non-profit organization that is the oldest pin club in existence. With 500 members from over 30 countries, Olympin aims to connect pin collectors and promote friendships within the community.

By becoming a member, pin collectors receive a quarterly newsletter with facts about pins and tips on how to grow their collections. They also receive an annual members pin. But one of the largest draws to being a member is the access to the member's directory, so collectors can network and exchange pins with other members to grow their collection.

The organization also provides tips on how to attend the Olympics, and they host an annual festival where members can set up their trading pin display and exchange pins with one another.

Online Stores

Another popular way to acquire pins is through online stores. During the Olympic season or the lead-up to the Olympic games, some pins are available online through the official Olympic store. But, rare pins are often available online through websites like Amazon and eBay.

Many people will sell Olympic pins online. These are often pins that collectors have duplicates of.

The issue is that it's sometimes difficult to authenticate these pins. Pins regularly sell for over 60 dollars, so it is important to be able to decipher what is authentic or not.

Giveaways

Another great way to acquire pins is through promotional campaigns. Many sponsors, partners, media groups, and governments will use pins as a form of marketing leading up to the Olympic games.

Pin collectors often know how to acquire these pins through contests and giveaways directly from the corporation releasing the pin. Gaining access to this information is another great reason to be a part of pin collector communities.

Quite often another pinhead will share intel on how to acquire an Olympic pin.

Olympic Pin Trading

Traditional Olympic pin trading or swapping remains the most popular way to acquire an Olympic pin. This is the preferred method for most collectors because meeting other people who share an interest in Olympic pins is half of the fun.

Pin collectors occasionally meet in designated cities to chat about their collections and exchange pins. It is also an opportunity to share stories about the games, or how their pins were acquired.

Most pin collectors prefer to be in the host city around the time of the games so they can arrange to meet up with one another near the venue. Collectors will often organize by setting up a trading pin display and exchanging pins together.

This has become a popular alternative event that coincides with the Olympic games.

Most Desired Olympic Pins

One of the best ways to expand pin collections is by acquiring rare Olympic pins. Experts say if you find a pin that is rare and unusual, it is worth exchanging multiple pins for.

Some of the pins that are most desired are pins from security and law enforcement that granted access to specific areas of the games. These pins are rare and coming across them is lucky.

Pins that have unique Olympic stories are in demand as well. For example, pins from the Olympic Games that were canceled and pins made from materials used at the games are unique additions to any pin collection.

What Is a Trading Pin Display?

You might be wondering what exactly a trading pin display is.

In the same way that other hobbyists display their items, pin collectors find unique ways to display their pin collections. Pins can be stored on articles of clothing like hats or jackets.

When traveling, many Disney pin collectors choose lanyards to display a selection of their pins around their necks securely. This allows other collectors to see their pins, and get an idea of what inventory is up for trade.

The same approach can be taken with Olympic pins. Many collectors choose to display some pins on a lanyard around their neck. Pins are often displayed on articles of clothing like bags as well.

Using a trading pin display board is one of the most popular ways to display pins. When attending Olympic pin trading events, it is one of the most creative ways to display pins. The pins fasten securely to a board, so everyone can see the collection.

How to Safely Store Olympic Pin Collections

Olympic pin collections are quite valuable. While it's difficult to place a precise monetary value on an entire collection, it's estimated that each pin is worth roughly $40. Some of the rare pins are worth more than one hundred dollars.

Collectors must organize and store their pins in a way that protects their Olympic pins. After all, the condition of the pins impacts their value. Pins are also small in size and easy to misplace.

If you are just starting your collection, it is recommended that you sort pins out, separating the high-value pins from pins of lesser value. Staying organized in this way will allow you to keep track of the pins in your collection easily.

But it's also important that your pins are stored securely. There are several ways to do this but one of the most exciting ways is by using trading pin bags.

What Are Trading Pin Bags?

Trading pin bags or pin trading bags are bags designed specifically to hold pin collections. These unique bags are changing the way Olympic pin collecting takes place.

The bags can be used to store pins securely. By using a locking pin back tool, collectors can safely secure the back of their pins, locking them into place. The bags also keep the pins from scratching against each other.

Trading pin bags make transporting pins from place to place much easier as well. All the pins are in one bag that is easy to maneuver and carry. It can be brought on a plane as a carry-on item, so you never need to worry about pins being misplaced during travel.

These bags can also double as a trading pin display when collectors have arrived at their destination. Just open the bag up and conveniently reveal the pin collection to other pinheads.

Trading pin bags are changing the way pin exchanges take place, making it easier to take pins on the go anytime collectors wish. If you are into Olympic pin collecting, this bag is a must-have.

Tips for Olympic Pin Collecting

Anyone who is considering taking up Olympic pin collecting should do their research first. There is a lot to learn about this hobby to truly get the most out of it.

Now that this guide has covered the basics of Olympic Pin trading and collecting, let's recap some of the things we've covered. If you are just starting to collect Olympic pins, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started.

Start Small

To begin, collectors may only have a handful of Olympic pins. These pins are often readily available to the public, and not overly valuable. Keep in mind that by trading 1 to 3 pins in the future, collectors can trade in for one more valuable pin.

It's also smart to pick a niche. Collectors should decide which types of Olympic pins they are most interested in.

From there, they should do their research to understand which pins are the most valuable, and which ones have the most significance. It is also important to understand which pins are authentic and which ones are not.

Build a Network

If a collector is serious about turning their Olympic pin collection into a hobby, they should start networking with other pin collectors. There are several ways to do this.

They should begin by requesting to join groups on social media and by following prominent social media accounts about pin collecting. Then, they should consider purchasing a membership with Olympin. Finally, they should attend pin trading events and begin building relationships with other collectors.

These steps will allow collectors to network with people who may be willing to trade with them in the future. But it will also provide a new collector with access to a lot of inside knowledge about pin collecting, which can help them grow their collection.

Ultimately, pin collecting is about connecting with other people, and networking is one of the best ways to do that.

Take Care of the Pin Collection

Finally, collectors should understand the value of their pins based on their design, age, and rarity and take proper care of them. Pins should be sorted effectively.

They should also be stored safely in a trading pin bag.

Trading Olympic Pins Is Exhilarating

On the surface, Olympic pins may seem insignificant, but there is a thriving community behind Olympic pin collecting. This growing hobby has become a popular aspect of the Olympic games.

By following this guide, collectors can understand the basics of this pastime. These tips can help you build, store and trade an Olympic pin collection with ease.

If you are looking for a way to safely store your Olympic pin collection, consider purchasing a trading pin bag on our website.