Pin Grading Guide

Pins are a handmade product, so please keep in mind that not every pin will be perfect and can vary from pin to pin. However, I check every pin to match it to the standards listed below.

I grade my pins by holding them about a foot away from my face, and inspecting them under sunlight or a white, LED daylight bulb. First I check the enamel for spots, scratches, and an even fill. Then I check the back to make sure it has my backstamp and the posts are secure. I determine the majority of a pin’s grading based on the front, enamel-filled side.

A-Grade

A-Grade pins are highest quality and have minor imperfections. Generally, you have to really look to see A-Grade flaws. They’re collector quality, so I recommend displaying them on a cork / pin board or on an ita bag that is covered to avoid every day wear-and-tear.

Imperfections may include:

• tiny scratches on the surface
• tiny bubbles or dust in the enamel
• over polished

B-Grade

B-Grade pins have noticeable, but generally minor, imperfections. Some imperfections may be more noticeable than others. They’re great for wearing on non-covered bags, jackets, and hats. If you don’t mind a few imperfections, these will still look good on display.

Imperfections may include:

• noticeable scratches on the surface
• noticeable bubbles in the enamel
• noticeable specks / dust in the enamel
• back posts with just a little wiggle

C-Grade

I don’t currently sell C-Grade pins and typically don’t receive them. When I do, sometimes they are included in orders as freebies.

These pins are highly flawed, with one or more of the following imperfections:

• deep scratches on the surface
• back posts that are very wiggly, loose, or bent
• low filled enamel
• over-filled enamel