The Rarest Pins in Existence

Written by: Peter Morrell

Pins have long served as small but powerful symbols, worn to show loyalty, commemorate milestones, and celebrate shared identity. Over time, they have evolved from handcrafted political tokens to mass-produced collectibles that define pop culture. Yet among the countless pins created across centuries, only a handful have reached legendary status. These rare artifacts symbolize stories of invention, courage, tragedy, and triumph and remind us why such small objects can hold such immense meaning. Whether it’s an enamel pin that honors a century-old event or a new design born from imagination, each carries the same spirit of craftsmanship, and at WizardPins, we celebrate that legacy every day. 

This collection highlights the rarest and most storied pins ever made, pieces that connect the worlds of history, art, and culture in miniature form.

 

 

Historical and Political Pins

These early pieces stand at the crossroads of history and craftsmanship. Each one captures a moment when a symbol defined a nation or a movement.

1789 George Washington Inaugural Buttons

It is widely believed that these buttons were created shortly before March 4, 1789, the date originally planned for George Washington’s inauguration. Washington’s inaugural suit, made of brown cloth from the Hartford Manufactory, was said to feature gilt buttons engraved with an eagle by craftsman William Rollinson. Today, fewer than a dozen authentic inaugural buttons of any kind are known to exist. Each is a fragile link to the earliest days of the American presidency and the birth of political memorabilia.

1920 James M. Cox and Franklin D. Roosevelt Jugate Pin

This dual-portrait campaign pin paired presidential candidate James M. Cox with his young running mate, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Produced briefly before the Democratic ticket’s defeat, few survived, as many were discarded after the election. With only six known to exist, these pins symbolize the early career of a man who would later lead America through the Great Depression and World War II. At auction, one sold for $100,300, placing these pins among the most coveted campaign collectibles.

Marine Corps Brevet Medal (1901–1921)

Created to honor Marines who demonstrated exceptional valor in battle, the Brevet Medal was awarded only 20 times in U.S. history. Each medal bears the recipient’s name, transforming it into a singular artifact of service and sacrifice. With its bronze finish and eagle clasp, the Brevet Medal remains one of the rarest and most prestigious decorations in American military history, a testament to the exclusivity of true heroism.

Titanic Crew Member Pins (1912)

These pins were reportedly worn by officers aboard the RMS Titanic, representing crew service and pride. After the ship’s tragic sinking, many were lost beneath the Atlantic, leaving only a few surviving examples. Their rarity is matched by their poignancy. Each serves as both a commemorative artifact and a haunting reminder of one of history’s greatest maritime disasters.

1936 Berlin Olympics Pin

Distributed during the Berlin Games, these pins combine Olympic artistry with historical tension. Bearing the iconic rings, they represent a moment when sports and politics became intertwined on a global stage. Many of these pins were destroyed during World War II, making authentic examples scarce. To collectors, they stand as powerful artifacts of both athletic achievement and the era’s complex legacy.

Pop Culture Pins

From accidents that turned into treasures to emblems of counterculture and fandom, these pins capture defining moments in entertainment history.

Donald Duck “Frozen in Carbonite” Pin

This one-of-a-kind Disney pin was the result of a manufacturing mishap. The unique error, never officially released, instantly made it a collector’s legend. Now valued around $15,000, it embodies the unpredictable charm of Disney’s vast pin universe, where imperfections often become priceless.

1969 Woodstock Festival Pin

Few symbols capture the spirit of the 1960s like this peace and music pin. Handed out at the original Woodstock festival, these simple metal badges were worn by staff and attendees who helped define an era. After days of rain, mud, and music, most pins were lost or damaged, leaving only a handful intact. Each surviving piece represents the ideals of unity, art, and rebellion that shaped a generation.

Original Mickey Mouse Club Pin (1930)

Presented to children who joined the earliest Mickey Mouse clubs, this pin marked the start of Disney’s global fan community. Its simple design, featuring Mickey’s cheerful face and bold lettering, symbolizes the dawn of a cultural empire. Nearly a century later, these pins are treasured by collectors for their connection to Disney’s beginnings and the innocence of early animation fandom.

NASA and Space Exploration Pins

In spaceflight, every pin tells a story of courage, innovation, and discovery. Some have even traveled beyond Earth, making them true relics of human achievement.

Apollo 11 Mission Pin (1969)

These pins were given to astronauts and mission personnel involved in humanity’s first lunar landing. A few were even flown aboard the Apollo 11 spacecraft itself, their surfaces touched by the moon’s gravity. Their rarity and direct link to one of the greatest moments in history make them priceless to collectors and space historians.

Apollo 8 Mission Pin (1968)

Commemorating the first human flight around the moon, these pins were distributed to NASA personnel and dignitaries. Authentic examples are seldom seen outside of museums, symbolizing the courage that paved the way for the Apollo 11 landing the following year.

U.S. Army Astronaut Device

This insignia is awarded exclusively to Army personnel who have completed a space mission. With fewer than a few dozen recipients in history, it is one of the rarest military devices ever created, bridging the gap between soldier and astronaut, Earth and orbit.

The Astronaut Pin (1961)

First presented to the Mercury 7, America’s original astronauts, earning this silver pin became a rite of passage for spacefarers. Each one was personally awarded and worn with immense pride. Originals tied to specific astronauts are considered irreplaceable, carrying the emotional weight of the early Space Age.

Donald “Deke” Slayton Astronaut Pin

This diamond-studded gold pin was commissioned by the Apollo 1 crew to honor Deke Slayton, who had been grounded from the flight for medical reasons. After the Apollo 1 tragedy, the widows gave the pin to Slayton, who lent it to Neil Armstrong to carry to the moon aboard Apollo 11. Now displayed at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, the pin embodies friendship, loss, and the enduring legacy of space exploration.

Sports Pins

From Olympic beginnings to the golden age of baseball and football, these pins have witnessed some of sports’ most historic moments.

1896 Athens Olympic Games Pin

Produced for athletes and officials of the first modern Olympics, this pin is among the earliest pieces of sports memorabilia in existence. Its simple design bridges ancient tradition with the birth of the modern Games. Surviving examples are virtually priceless due to their extreme scarcity and historical importance.

1911 Philadelphia Athletics Press Pin

Created for journalists covering the World Series, this press pin granted access to restricted areas of the ballpark. Only a few authentic examples are known to exist, making it one of baseball’s rarest artifacts. Each one connects to the early days of professional sports reporting and the growth of baseball as America’s pastime.

1927 World Series Press Pin

Issued to reporters during the iconic Yankees season featuring Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, this pin represents the apex of baseball’s golden era. Its elegant design and direct tie to the “Murderers’ Row” lineup have made it a crown jewel among collectors, symbolizing the glamour and dominance of 1920s baseball.

Super Bowl I Press Pin (1967)

Produced for media covering the first championship between the NFL and AFL, this pin marks the birth of the modern Super Bowl. With its minimalist design and historical weight, it has become a sought-after relic among football historians, celebrating the game’s rise to national prominence.

Why Rare Pins Matter

Each of these pins tells a story far larger than its size. Whether tied to the rise of a nation, a movement, or a mission to the moon, they prove that meaning often hides in the smallest objects.

At WizardPins, we continue that tradition. We craft custom pins that commemorate life’s milestones and spark new collections for the next generation. Whether you are creating a limited-edition release, celebrating an event, or designing your own modern classic, we can help bring your vision to life.

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