Top 5 Most Expensive Pins Ever Sold
Pins are small accessories that have become increasingly popular over the years, with people collecting them as a hobby, or as a way to show their support for a particular cause or organization. However, there are some pins that go beyond just being a simple accessory, as they can be worth a fortune. In this article, we will explore the top 5 most expensive pins ever sold and provide some information about each.
Faberge Winter Egg Pin - $9.6 million
The Faberge Winter Egg Pin is the most expensive pin ever sold, with a price tag of $9.6 million. It was created by Peter Carl Faberge in 1913 and is part of a collection of fifty imperial eggs commissioned by the Russian royal family. The pin is made of gold, enamel, diamonds, and pearls, and is shaped like a snowflake. It is said to represent the harsh Russian winters and was intended as a gift for the Tsarina.
The Winter Egg Pin was sold at an auction in 2007 by Christie's, where it broke the previous record for the most expensive piece of jewelry ever sold at auction. It was purchased by an anonymous collector who is believed to be a member of the Qatari royal family.
Apollo 17 Robbins Medallion - $2 million
The Apollo 17 Robbins Medallion is a pin that was given to the astronauts who participated in the Apollo 17 mission. It was designed by NASA and made by the Robbins Company, a jewelry manufacturer that specializes in creating items for the U.S. military and government agencies. The pin is made of gold and is inscribed with the names of the astronauts and the dates of the mission.
The Apollo 17 Robbins Medallion was sold at an auction in 2012 by Heritage Auctions, where it fetched a price of $2 million. It was purchased by an anonymous collector who is believed to be a space enthusiast.
Cartier Panther Brooch - $1.3 million
The Cartier Panther Brooch is a pin that was created by the famous French jeweler, Cartier, in the 1940s. It is made of gold, enamel, and diamonds and is shaped like a panther. The pin is part of a collection of panther-themed jewelry that Cartier created, which was popular with celebrities and royalty during the 20th century.
The Panther Brooch was sold at an auction in 2014 by Sotheby's, where it was purchased by an anonymous collector for $1.3 million.
1939 Superman Pin - $1.5 million
The 1939 Superman Pin is a pin that was created to promote the first issue of the Superman comic book. It is made of gold and enamel and features the iconic Superman logo. The pin is part of a limited edition that was given to comic book retailers as a promotional item.
The 1939 Superman Pin was sold at an auction in 2012 by Comic Connect, where it fetched a price of $1.5 million. It was purchased by an anonymous collector who is believed to be a fan of the Superman franchise.
Disney Railroad Employee Pin - $690,000
The Disney Railroad Employee Pin is a pin that was created for employees of the Disneyland Railroad in the 1950s. It is made of gold and enamel and features the image of Mickey Mouse as a railroad conductor. The pin is part of a collection of Disney-themed pins that are popular with collectors.
The Disney Railroad Employee Pin was sold at an auction in 2017 by Van Eaton Galleries, where it was purchased by an anonymous collector for $690,000.
In conclusion, pins are not just simple accessories; they can be worth a fortune. The pins mentioned above are testaments to the artistry, history, and cultural significance that can be associated with these small objects. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind masterpiece crafted by a renowned jeweler, a rare promotional item that has become a valuable collectible, or a vintage pin that has become a symbol of a bygone era, these pins represent the beauty and uniqueness that can be found in even the smallest of things.
It's interesting to note that some of the pins on this list were sold at auctions to anonymous collectors, leaving the public to wonder who these collectors are and what motivates them to spend such large sums of money on these items. Perhaps they are simply driven by a love for the artistry and craftsmanship of these pins, or maybe they see them as investments that will only increase in value over time.
Regardless of the motivations behind the purchases, the fact remains that these pins have become highly sought-after items that have captivated collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're a fan of vintage jewelry, comic books, or Disney memorabilia, there is a pin out there for everyone that can spark joy and inspire wonder.
