Ever notice those little lapel pins or coins people wear or collect? There’s a whole fascinating world behind those small objects. You’ve probably seen the classic “I Voted” pins, or pins showing support for a sports team or cause. Lapel pins have been used for decades to signify membership, achievement, or affiliation. As for coins, numismatics is the study of currency, but coin collecting goes far beyond that. People collect coins for their artistic beauty, historical significance, or precious metal value. Whether you’re interested in the stories behind lapel pins or discovering rare coins, you’re about to explore an intriguing realm of miniatures. There’s more to these little items than meets the eye.
The History and Evolution of Lapel Pins and Coins
The history of lapel pins and coins spans over a century. Lapel pins first gained popularity in the 1880s as a way for political candidates and organizations to spread their messages and show support. They were also used in the military to denote rank and achievement.
By the early 1900s, lapel pins and coins were widely used as a form of advertising and promotion for businesses and brands. They featured company names, logos, and slogans and were given away as freebies or sold as collectibles. Many companies still use custom lapel pins and coins today for marketing, employee recognition, and building brand loyalty.
Lapel pins and coins really gained mainstream popularity in the United States during the World Wars. They were used to show support for the war effort and represented various military divisions, campaigns, and accomplishments. After the wars, veteran and fraternal organizations adopted lapel pins and coins to signify membership and achievements.
In the mid-20th century, lapel pins became popular as fashion accessories and a way to make political or social statements. This led to an explosion of options in the 1960s and 70s featuring psychedelic, counterculture and protest designs. More recently, lapel pins have been used to raise awareness for causes like diseases, charities, and social movements.
Whether used for fashion, marketing, membership or social good, lapel pins and coins continue to fascinate collectors and history buffs alike. They provide an intriguing glimpse into the past and what people found meaningful at different points in time.
Popular Types of Custom Lapel Pins and Coins
Some of the most popular custom lapel pins and coins are enamel pins, soft enamel pins, and die struck coins.
Enamel Pins
Enamel pins feature a metal base, typically brass, with a glossy, colored enamel coating. They provide vibrant, eye-catching colors and a smooth finish. Enamel pins are a great option if you want a high-quality pin with an artistic design. However, the enamel can chip over time with frequent use and handling.
Soft Enamel Pins
Soft enamel pins also have a metal base but with a matte, textured enamel coating. The enamel is baked onto the pin, then the surface is polished to create a slightly rough, stonewashed effect. Soft enamel pins have an antique, rustic look and the enamel is more durable than hard enamel. These pins tend to be more affordable to produce as well.
Die Struck Coins
Die struck coins are custom coins made from an engraving die mold to emboss an image onto a metal disk, typically brass or copper. They have a classic, prestigious look reminiscent of collectible coins. The embossing process results in highly defined images and text that stands out on both sides of the coin. However, die struck coins usually have higher costs, especially for more complex custom designs.
With so many options, you can find custom lapel pins and coins well-suited to represent your organization or event. Whether you want an elegant enamel pin, rustic soft enamel pin or prestigious die struck coin, there’s a solution to fit your needs and budget.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a glimpse into the intriguing worlds of lapel pins and coins. Whether you’re a collector yourself or just find these types of artifacts fascinating, there’s no denying their cultural and historical significance. These tiny treasures offer a portal into human lives, values and events of the past. And for collectors, the thrill of the hunt and curating a collection of pins or coins that speak to you is a rewarding lifelong passion. The next time you see someone sporting a pin or notice an old coin, appreciate it for the story it has to tell. There are whole universes contained within these small but mighty objects.
Sunset Pins and Coins 
Leave a comment