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Why are Pin Badges so collectable?
Pin badges are cultural artefacts, miniature emblems of identity, and a key part of many collectors’ worlds. Over time, they’ve been used to mark loyalty, spread messages, celebrate events, and spark movements.
In this post, we’ll look at why pin badges continue to captivate collectors and introduce a special new issue from The Westminster Collection that’s already turning thousands of heads…
A Badge’s Role: From Belief to Belonging
Some historians suggest that the roots of badge culture may stretch back further than expected. According to research, European pilgrims in the 12th century are thought to have purchased pewter and lead alloy badges from shops near holy shrines—not only as souvenirs of their journey, but as visible signs of faith. These small items, often adorned with religious symbols, were believed by some to hold protective qualities, and also as a way to publicly display religious devotion.
Whether or not you trace their lineage back that far, it’s clear that badges have long been connected to identity and expression. In more recent history, badges became vital symbols for political, social, and protest movements. From labour rights to civil rights, peace marches to Pride parades, the badge has often carried the message:
“I stand for this.”
Part of what makes them so effective is their accessibility. Instantly recognisable, badges have long offered people a way to feel seen and heard in collective movements. They’ve helped define eras—not through the voices of leaders, but through the expressions of thousands.
Why Pin Badges Are So Collectable
1. Personal Meaning
Each badge carries a message. Whether linked to a cause, a campaign, or a historic event, badges often reflect the collector’s values and experiences.
2. Huge Range of Themes
From military commemoratives and pop culture to activism and advertising, the range of badge themes is virtually limitless.
3. Affordability
Pin badges remain one of the most affordable collectables, ideal for new collectors or casual hobbyists looking to build a meaningful collection.
4. Rarity and Exclusivity
Limited releases or time-sensitive issues (like those commemorating events or anniversaries) often become valuable due to scarcity.
5. Easy to Display or Wear
Badges are wearable collectables. They can be pinned to jackets, bags, or housed in displays, making them versatile and visually engaging.
The Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary Pin Badge
For the first time, The Westminster Collection is launching a pin badge to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
And for a limited time only, it is FREE (+p&p) to those who join the Legends of the Skies Collection.
This special-edition badge features the Spitfire, an enduring symbol of Britain’s resilience and aerial strength in 1940. Created with the same dedication to craftsmanship and historical significance that defines our coinage, the badge is a wearable tribute to “the Few” who defended our skies.
It’s the first release in the new Legends of the Skies Collection, honouring history’s most iconic military warplanes. But spaces on this collection are limited to just 19,995 worldwide, so time is of the essence…
Considering over 70,000 collectors claimed the VE Day badge, demand for this new release is expected to be high, with over a thousand already claimed.
Pin badges may be small, but their impact is anything but. They’ve carried ideas, inspired solidarity, marked moments in history—and continue to do so. Whether you’re drawn in by their design, their meaning, or their historical connections, collecting pin badges is a journey worth starting.
The Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary Pin Badge is a powerful and accessible way to begin—or enrich—your collection. Claim yours today and wear a piece of history with pride.
Click here to secure yours now for FREE when you trial the Legends of the Skies Collection. Simply cover postage >>
A Royal Milestone: The First-Ever UK Coin Honouring The Princess Royal
In 2025, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal celebrates her 75th birthday, and to mark this historic occasion, The Royal Mint has issued a remarkable new UK £5 coin – personally approved by Princess Anne herself.
A Numismatic and Royal First
For the very first time in British history, Princess Anne appears on a UK coin. This makes the 2025 UK 75th Birthday of Princess Anne £5 Coin not only a collector’s piece but a historic numismatic first.
The design was personally approved by The Princess Royal and features:
- Her official Coat of Arms
- An elegant photographic portrait by John Swannell, Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and celebrated royal photographer
This combination of heraldry and portraiture creates a truly distinguished tribute to a life of unwavering public service.
A Life of Dedication and Duty
Since beginning royal duties at the age of 18, Princess Anne has earned a reputation as one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family. Supporting over 300 charities, organisations, and military regiments, she has become a symbol of dedication and modest strength.
Whether representing the UK on the world stage or quietly championing causes close to her heart, The Princess Royal’s commitment to service is extraordinary and widely admired.
A Passion for Horses and Olympic Spirit
Known for her lifelong love of horses, Princess Anne made headlines when she became the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the Olympic Games, riding for Team GB in eventing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Riding her trusted gelding Doublet, she also claimed individual gold at the 1971 European Eventing Championships – a feat that underlined not only her skill but her grit and perseverance.
Image Credit: The Gait Post
A Fitting Tribute in a Range of Premium Specifications
The 2025 UK £5 Coin celebrating Princess Anne’s 75th birthday is available in a variety of stunning specifications, ensuring there’s a perfect option for every collector:
- Brilliant Uncirculated
- Silver Proof
- Silver Proof Piedfort
- Gold Proof
Each version showcases the beautiful design with the high-quality craftsmanship you’d expect from The Royal Mint — from affordable excellence to the ultimate in precious metal prestige.
👉 Explore the full Princess Anne 75th Birthday Coin Range here
Whether you’re adding to your collection or gifting a timeless piece of royal history, this coin is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary life of service.
The World’s First Thunderbirds 50p Coins
“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Thunderbirds 50ps are GO!”
It’s been six decades since those unforgettable words rocketed onto British television screens, launching one of the most beloved sci-fi series in history. Now, for the first time ever, all five Thunderbirds have landed — not on Tracy Island, but on a set of official 50p coins.
And collectors, it’s a moment you won’t want to miss.
Celebrating 60 Years of Thunderbirds on Official 50p Coins
To mark the 60th anniversary of Thunderbirds, a stunning series of British Isles 50p coins has been released — and it’s truly something special.
Each coin showcases one of the iconic Thunderbird machines — from the sleek, supersonic Thunderbird 1, to the orbital sentinel Thunderbird 5 — all beautifully struck with full-colour designs that pop with detail and personality.
For fans, this is more than a coin release. It’s a celebration of a British sci-fi legacy that pushed the boundaries of imagination, engineering, and storytelling.
What’s on the Coins? Meet the Thunderbirds
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these coins so special:
🔵 Thunderbird 1
The hypersonic rocket plane that’s always first to the scene. Piloted by the ever-capable Scott Tracy, it’s the face of rapid response — and the first line of International Rescue.
🟢 Thunderbird 2
That unmistakable green VTOL craft piloted by Virgil Tracy. Known for transporting heavy rescue gear (and Thunderbird 4, of course), its design was as practical as it was unforgettable.
🔴 Thunderbird 3
The bold red space rocket, operated by Alan Tracy. Its missions in orbit — and beyond — kept the Earth safe from peril in the most extreme situations.
🟡 Thunderbird 4
A fan-favourite! This compact yellow submersible, piloted by Gordon Tracy, handled the dangers of the deep. It’s sleek, agile, and always ready for underwater action.
⚪ Thunderbird 5
Orbiting Earth high above, this communications hub — maintained by John Tracy — was the eyes and ears of the entire operation. No rescue mission could start without it.
Spotlight on the Artist: Lee Sullivan
Bringing the Thunderbirds 50p coins to life is none other than acclaimed comic book artist Lee Sullivan, whose illustrations grace both the coin designs and the accompanying presentation booklets in this special anniversary collection.
Lee made his mark working on iconic titles such as Doctor Who, Transformers, RoboCop, 2000AD, Fireball XL5, and of course — Thunderbirds.
A lifelong fan of the series, Lee began working on Thunderbirds strips for Redan Publishing in the 1990s. What he thought would be a short stint turned into a five-year creative journey, during which he produced nearly all of the originated strips for the title — handling pencilling, inking, and eventually full-colour digital artwork. He also created Thunderbirds illustrations for Redan’s Fun to Learn activity magazines.
His deep connection to the series, combined with decades of illustrative expertise, makes Lee’s contribution to this coin range something truly special. Each coin and booklet is infused with his passion for the franchise — ensuring this collection isn’t just official, but authentic to the spirit of Thunderbirds.
Explore the Full Thunderbirds Coin Range
Don’t wait for International Rescue — these coins are already proving incredibly popular.
In fact, the Thunderbirds Collectors Edition has already sold out, proving just how in-demand these coins are. That’s not just hype — it’s a clear sign that fans and collectors are eager to own a piece of this historic release.
If you don’t want to miss out on the remaining issues, now is the time to act.
👉 Click here to explore the full Thunderbirds coin collection
From single coins to full sets, including premium editions — there’s a release to suit every kind of fan and collector.
