How do you learn about the various pins?

[DixieDreamer]

I have a collection of Disney pins that I have obtained through the past several years from both purchases on site at WDW, Ebay bidding, and some special pins from WDW from the 2000 millenium celebration (part of our resort magic package that year).

I buy what I like (it means something to me or is beautiful). But I am curious, how do you find information on what the pins are, what is "collectible" or rare... etc? I have several of the Disney Store pins (that is what a CM told me - who was admiring them and seemed to really know his pins) and several more that he felt were rather special. I have no idea - just know that I like what I have!

I could get into the collecting in a big way - but obviously need to get more educated. So what is some good sources of info on the different pins?

 

[jmatzen0106]

Learning about the value and the existence of Disney Pins is a never ending process.
These Boards, Ebay, and Pinpics is a good place to start
As you immerse yourself in the subject matter you will retain information and become more knowlegeable.
It is a slow gradual process, because there are so many pins, and more keep coming out. Hope this helps.

 

[DixieDreamer]

thanks jmatzen0106! What is pinpics? Is there anything published anywhere that just recaps what has been released so far?

 

[Dom13]

www.pinpics.com is a pin information database with over 6000 pins listed and more are added everyday. It can help you identify a pin, where it came from, whether it is a limited edition, an event pin, Cast Member. Etc. It can also help you find someone that has a pin you're looking for and is interested in trading it.

Another good site is Dizpins.com. They have news everynight on what pins are coming out, different events, pin news from Tokyo and Paris etc. They also have information on how to get started in trading if that is something you are interested in.

Feel free to post any questions that you have here. There are many very knowledgeable pin collectors here that are glad to help.

 

[Humpbacks1962]

Pinpics is a great source to get info from pins. Many of them need some corrections and/or additional information. One thing that has improved the databse dramatically is adding the pins as they are released, with descriptions based on fresh observations and present circumstances.

Just about anything "Disney" is a collectible. If you ask for pieces that may have a lot of value in the future, that is always unpredictable. Be cautious about your expectations.

I would not call any pin produced in the last 2 - 3 years "rare", simply because you could pretty much find it in auction sites, even get lucky and trade for it with another collector or CM. Sure, you may have to pay a lot of money for a sold out pin that some may call "rare", but the thing is, you can find it! To me, a truly rare Disney pin is one produced at least a decade ago, before anyone even thought about starting a collecting/trading activity. Only a few people thought about preserving them and therefore, very few remain out there.

In my experience, if you are looking for a hard to find pin, just be patient and check out the auction sites, week after week. Based on what I have learned so far, I can almost promise you that you'll see it within months! I have acquired pins that were originally selling for over $30.00, for less than $5.00, weeks later. I have seen pins originally sold as "rare" or "cast member" packed like sardines in dutch auctions, months later, selling for peanuts!

So, just get what you like, only because you like it. Have no expectations other than the joy of having the little pieces of metal that belong to you and help you maintain a connection with Disney!

Wanda

 

[DixieDreamer]

No big expectations! LOL I just wanted to know more about what I have! I hate to trade - don't like getting rid of pins I like - and I only acquire ones I REALLY LIKE!!!

Thanks for the great info - I think the pinpics site is just what I need to find out what exactly I do have.

 

[kiffy]

There is an fairly up-to-date pin guide, if interested email me at:
crzy4pins@yahoo.com
I can try and get you one around cost, I think that's about $16 or so! plus shipping!

 

[jaross]

One way to tell how rare a pin is, is to look on pinpics, find the pins. Each pin has ratings under neath. There is one category for how many people are trading this pin and another for how many people are looking for the pin. If lots more people are looking, then it's probably a good pin.

Another way is to check the edition size. It's usually printed on the back of the pin. This is not a sure fire way, but....... if the edition is 3500 or less, it would be harder to get.

But, I think you've already hit it on the head. The important thing is to collect what you like. If you happen to get a hard to find pin, that's great. But, not essential. Good luck and have fun.

Chris