Why are Pin Badges so collectable?
Pin badges are cultural artefacts, miniature emblems of identity, and a key part of many collectors’ worlds. Over time, they’ve been used to mark loyalty, spread messages, celebrate events, and spark movements.
In this post, we’ll look at why pin badges continue to captivate collectors and introduce a special new issue from The Westminster Collection that’s already turning thousands of heads…
A Badge’s Role: From Belief to Belonging
Some historians suggest that the roots of badge culture may stretch back further than expected. According to research, European pilgrims in the 12th century are thought to have purchased pewter and lead alloy badges from shops near holy shrines—not only as souvenirs of their journey, but as visible signs of faith. These small items, often adorned with religious symbols, were believed by some to hold protective qualities, and also as a way to publicly display religious devotion.
Whether or not you trace their lineage back that far, it’s clear that badges have long been connected to identity and expression. In more recent history, badges became vital symbols for political, social, and protest movements. From labour rights to civil rights, peace marches to Pride parades, the badge has often carried the message:
“I stand for this.”
Part of what makes them so effective is their accessibility. Instantly recognisable, badges have long offered people a way to feel seen and heard in collective movements. They’ve helped define eras—not through the voices of leaders, but through the expressions of thousands.
Why Pin Badges Are So Collectable
1. Personal Meaning
Each badge carries a message. Whether linked to a cause, a campaign, or a historic event, badges often reflect the collector’s values and experiences.
2. Huge Range of Themes
From military commemoratives and pop culture to activism and advertising, the range of badge themes is virtually limitless.
3. Affordability
Pin badges remain one of the most affordable collectables, ideal for new collectors or casual hobbyists looking to build a meaningful collection.
4. Rarity and Exclusivity
Limited releases or time-sensitive issues (like those commemorating events or anniversaries) often become valuable due to scarcity.
5. Easy to Display or Wear
Badges are wearable collectables. They can be pinned to jackets, bags, or housed in displays, making them versatile and visually engaging.
The Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary Pin Badge
For the first time, The Westminster Collection is launching a pin badge to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
And for a limited time only, it is FREE (+p&p) to those who join the Legends of the Skies Collection.
This special-edition badge features the Spitfire, an enduring symbol of Britain’s resilience and aerial strength in 1940. Created with the same dedication to craftsmanship and historical significance that defines our coinage, the badge is a wearable tribute to “the Few” who defended our skies.
It’s the first release in the new Legends of the Skies Collection, honouring history’s most iconic military warplanes. But spaces on this collection are limited to just 19,995 worldwide, so time is of the essence…
Considering over 70,000 collectors claimed the VE Day badge, demand for this new release is expected to be high, with over a thousand already claimed.
Pin badges may be small, but their impact is anything but. They’ve carried ideas, inspired solidarity, marked moments in history—and continue to do so. Whether you’re drawn in by their design, their meaning, or their historical connections, collecting pin badges is a journey worth starting.
The Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary Pin Badge is a powerful and accessible way to begin—or enrich—your collection. Claim yours today and wear a piece of history with pride.
Click here to secure yours now for FREE when you trial the Legends of the Skies Collection. Simply cover postage >>