Moreover, collecting button pins has become as a hot case in the collector market where they may cost big money. To a certain degree the collectibility of button pins vary, depending on rarity, history & condition. Many things, including a political campaign pin from the 1920 U.S. presidential election can see prices between $50 to $500 depending on condition and scarcity of item. These pins are all valued based on history and the nostalgia of the faces they feature.
Political pins are not the only button collectibles to have increased in value, and buttons from major events also can be worth a lot. Collectors also covet pins from events such as the 1969 Woodstock Festival or the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. These pins — often made in such small quantities the value explodes to a staggering $100+ each, presuming they are still in mint condition. The value of these in popular culture has created a strong market for related memorabilia helping make the button pins valuable to collect.
Button pins related to famous people or moments of history also have great worth. Many of the pins from their American tour are now highly sought after collectibles, with some fetching up to $1,000 at auction. The appeal with these pins is that it ties into an iconic band and era of music history, so for any collectors or fans they would be highly desirable.
Those obverse designs are key to determining their value and condition. They are more valuable with all of the color and no rust visible, intact backs. Pins are frequently assessed by collectors on a 1 to 10 rank, from poor (defective) via mint situation. For instance, a mint-condition pin from John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign could go for $200 — as opposed to the same type with damage, which might be worth just $20.
Collecting button pins is not limited to just history and politics. Now, the button pins you might see today from an artist or brand's limited edition release can also be sought after by those looking to add them into their collection. So there are pins that Disney releases only for a while and then collectors find out about them after they've been released, the original price can go way up on something you think is relatively inexpensive — many of these limited release pins will easily re-sell at two to five times their initial cost. Frequently containing complex designs, these pins are generally produced in limited numbers and thus very appealing to collectors who look for the rarity.
Button pins have also seen communities that build among individuals who collect the novelty trinkets and some even form their own button pin clubs, congregating to socially connect with one another. Examples include the American Political Items Collectors (APIC) which unites collectors of all kinds political memorabilia, buttons included. It spawns mutual exchange of information, product trading and conventions that feed the energy revolving around collecting.
In the end, button pins are indeed coveted and they can capture top dollar depending on rarity, historical significance; condition and design. They may be small, but these little collectables can pack a lot of collecting value and appeal for the collector. From political campaign pins to modern limited editions…