Pin Grading Scale
If you’ve never heard of a pin grading scale, don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Find out all about what pin grading scales are and how we grade our enamel pins.
All About The Pin Grading Scale
What is a pin grading scale?
A pin grading scale is used to ‘categorise’ our enamel pins based on their appearance. This helps us price our pins accurately to ensure pins are sold according to their variation.
Why is a pin grading scale needed?
Our enamel pins are handmade. Every pin is unique with minor differences and inevitable ‘imperfections’.
Due to design differences, the proportion of each type of grade within a batch may vary as well. Some batches may have more differences than other batches.
To reduce wastage of pins, we try to sell as many pins as possible from each batch. Grading our pins helps us to find the right home for every pin.
Is the pin grading scale a universal standard?
No, it is not a universal standard. Pin grading scales vary from store to store. Some stores may not grade their pins and some stores do.
How We Grade Our Pins
Collector’s Grade
Collector’s Grade pins are as close to perfection as it can get. These pins have minimal flaws that are difficult to notice even under bright light.
As the name says, these are perfect for enamel pin collectors to wear or display. However, they are rare to come by and limited quantities are available.
Grade A
Generally, most of our pins fall within this grade. Grade A pins have minor flaws that are noticeable only when scrutinised up close and under good lighting. Characteristics of imperfections that a Grade A pin might have when scrutinised up close include:
- tiny air bubbles
- some dust on soft enamel pins
- small areas of enamel under or over fill (rare)
- light scratches (rare)
The blemishes outlined above for Grade A pins are not noticeable unless you look for them. These pins are suitable for collecting, gifting and wearing as they generally look good. Pins that do not have a grading option on our store are generally Grade A pins.
Grade B
Grade B pins have blemishes that are more noticeable at a closer distance under normal light. Characteristics of a Grade B pin include:
- multiple, noticeable air bubbles
- noticeable dust on soft enamel pins
- small, unfilled area of enamel (rare)
- light scratches (rare)
Grade B pins are perfect for wearing out on your bag, denim jacket etc. Collector’s who don’t mind some minor blemishes may also choose to get a Grade B pin for display.
Generally, our Grade B pins are mainly affected by air bubbles and dust (which can be cleaned off with a damp cloth).
Grade C & Seconds
We avoid selling Grade C and Seconds pins except in situations where a large number of pins in a batch are affected. However, they are usually made available at much lower prices. These two grades are only applicable to our BTS Spring Day pins which have noticeable and larger air bubbles.
Grade C pins share similar characteristics to Grade B pins but with a larger number of blemishes.
Seconds grade pins have significant blemishes and are not suitable for fussy buyers.