The Hidden Culture of Olympic Pin Trading

Away from podiums and medal ceremonies, a quieter, and often more social, Olympic tradition has taken center stage in Milan: pin trading.

As the Winter Games unfolded in Italy, collectors from around the world gathered at official trading centers to exchange Olympic pins, many dating back decades.

The pins represent host cities, national teams, athletes, and iconic moments from previous Games, turning lanyards and scarves into moving archives of Olympic history. Some pins are highly sought after, especially those from smaller delegations or countries represented by just one athlete, making them especially difficult to find. Others carry personal meaning, tied to specific Games or memories of travel and friendship.

While rare pins can fetch high prices online, collectors say the real value lies elsewhere. Pin trading acts as a social bridge, drawing strangers into conversations that often lead to long-lasting friendships. Collectors describe being approached simply because their scarves are full of pins, a visual invitation to connect.

Social media has added a modern layer to the tradition, allowing collectors to stay in touch with athletes and fellow traders long after the Games end.