It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vast array of Olympic pins, and as the hobby expands, even more varieties will appear on the scene. But for now at least, most collectible Olympic pins fall under these broad categories. Commemoratives, also called souvenir or event pins, they’re usually, though not always, issued by an Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games. Most go on sale to the public long before the Games begin. Commemorative pins comprise the following subcategories...

Anyone can trade Olympic pins... the trick is to do it with finesse and to build an outstanding collection. Before the Games, start by preparing your trader stock, which should include duplicates of pins from your permanent collection and any other pins you’re willing to part with. Its best to take a variety of traders, even if you collect just one particular type of Olympic pin – sponsor, National Committee, commemorative or whatever. Although some collectors prefer to trade like pins for like pins (media for media, mascot for mascot, etc.), the majority are more flexible. Exchanging a trader for a pin outside your specialty may later bring you a pin you really desire. Also consider buying Olympic pins now that you think might be hot at the Games.

So what are Olympic pins REALLY worth? A pin’s value is whatever a person is willing to pay for it at any given time. As most collectables, a pin’s value follows the same “supply and demand” equation and this can change at any given time or any given place.