How important are original cards?

[RONfromRI]

I just started collecting pins about a month ago and I'm totally hooked. I've already got about 50 of them, mostly thru E-Bay. Just wondering how important it is to get the original card with each pin. Does every pin even have an original card? Does the card increase the sale or trading value? What makes a pin mint? I think the Black Disney card makes the pin more attractive and authentic looking but I don't know if I'm placing too much emphasis on them.

Thanks in advance for any info.
Ron

 

[Beauty]

This is just strictly personal but I don't place much value on them. I've traded for plenty and can't remember ever specifically asking whether or not they were on the cards. I have gotten some that were and some that weren't and it never made that much difference to me. The pins are marked on the back....Now maybe the ones with specific little cards like the 100 years pins that are actually numbered would be a little more collectible if the pins were still in the wrapping on the numbered card. But the others I just don't think so! I would definatly not pay any more for a pin just because it was on the card.

 

[Luv2Roam]

The black cards are handy, but I don't know that they are necessary. Just personal opinion, I think.
From what I have found pin collecting is a different animal than other collections. Seems sellers are more apt to get more money selling pins individually, rather than as sets. Pins don't seem to be worth anymore intact (framed, packaged, or otherwise) than just a pin in the hand.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Some of the cards will make the pins more valuable. These are ones (such as from the Flower and Garden Show) where the picture on the card enhances the pin, or the "Small World" series from the 2000 Disneyana Convention where there is a related description. As far as the plain black cards I would not see any addition to value with the card, or subtraction from value without the card.

 

[nsmia]

i'm a newbie too, but someone, don't remember who, told me that you should keep the backs if you can. some people like them others dont care. when making trades i always include the card if i have it and so far everyone else seems to be doing the same. good question though!!