In Paris, away from the competitive world of Wall Street, a unique market has emerged at the Paris Olympics revolving around the trading of pins. Collectors from around the globe have flocked to the city to grow their Olympic pin collections and connect through shared experiences.
“People are wired to trade. Human beings, we want to trade,” says Craig Robbins, a passionate pin collector from Los Angeles, highlighting the intrinsic desire for exchange in human nature.
The enthusiasm for pin trading can be felt across Paris, from crowded coffee shops to quiet streets, with individuals like French collector Laurent Facy noting a heightened craze this year.
The tradition of pin trading dates back to the early days of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 when simple cardboard badges were used for identification. Over the years, these badges have evolved into intricate and personalized pins representing countries, brands, and individuals.
The Los Angeles 1984 Olympics marked a pivotal moment for pin trading, with a diverse array of pins like media, sponsor, athlete, and mascot pins captivating the public’s interest.
After two Olympics held without spectators due to the pandemic, pin trading has experienced a resurgence at the Paris Games, fueled by social media and Olympians actively participating in trading. Icons like Serena Williams and Andy Murray have shared their enthusiasm for collecting and swapping pins.
One of the most notable pins at the Paris Olympics is Snoop Dogg’s, featuring the rapper blowing smoke in the shape of the Olympic rings, attracting interest from a wide audience including younger pin enthusiasts.
Pin trading at the Olympics is a highly inclusive activity that transcends traditional sports venues, with participants adorning themselves with colorful pins to facilitate interactions and conversations with fellow collectors and curious onlookers.
For many, pin trading is not just about exchanging pins but also about sharing stories and creating meaningful connections. Each pin holds a tale, making traders into storytellers, passing along fragments of their personal Olympic journeys to others.
