How to Describe the Back of a Pin and the Terms to Use

When adding a pin to the database, the back description is often overlooked and only a couple of words put into the field. The description of the back of a pin is very important and helpful. Whether you are submitting a pin to the database or you want to learn how to read and understand back descriptions on a pin listing, here are the different features that you might find on the back of your pin, along with the terms to use when describing it.

When writing a description, take note of each of these features and mention each one that appears on the pin you are describing.

1. The color of the back of the pin. (gold, silver, black, etc).

2. The texture (smooth, sandblasted, embossed pattern, etc).

3. Posts (single, double, more).

4. Barb, nubs.

5. Official Pin trading logo w/ date.

6. Limited Edition, LIMITED EDITION, Limited Release, etc (just like it shows on the pin).

7. Other Event Logos, etc.

8. ©Disney, ©DISNEY, ©DISNEY/PIXAR, etc (just like it shows on the pin).

9. China, CHINA, MADE IN CHINA, Made in China, TAIWAN, etc (just like it shows on the pin - but only the English line, you don't need to type all languages).

10. FAC.

** The CAPITILIZATION of the TEXT MATTERS.... See the Below images ***

This illustrated article is divided into sections, and can be found in this order as you scroll down:

- THE "PIN" ITSELF

- COLOR OF THE BACK

- THE BACKGROUND "DESIGN"

- LOGOS AND TEXT ON THE BACK OF A PIN

- TRANSCRIBING FAC, COPYRIGHT AND TEXT

- MORE LOGOS ON THE BACK OF A PIN

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The "Pin" Itself:

All pins have an actual "pin" on the back. Most have pin posts, occasionally it will have a brooch-style clasp. Important to note how many pin posts and if there are nubs or barbs.

Pin Post – One or more on each pin (you can also note the general position where the pin posts are placed).

Nubs – Usually two, one on either side of the pin post, but sometimes there is only one or there are none.

Barb – flap of metal off the pin post base.

Brooch-style pin clasp - Pin that is horizontal to pin back and slips under/into clasp.

(Pin # PP6057)

Color of the Back:

Typically the back of the pin is the same color as the edge rim of the pin. Most often it is Silver or Gold, but it can also be enameled over in black, or a variety of colors. Starting your back description with "Silver back with Mickey head waffle pattern . . . " is a good way of specifying the color of the back of the pin.

(Pins #PP6948 & #PP142197)

(Pins #PP138743 & #PP143417)

(Pins #PP125679 & #PP137369)

(Pin #PP132415)

The Background "Design":
In general, the back of pins have what is commonly referred to as a "waffle pattern". The early pins had a generic waffle pattern of crisscrossed lines. This was changed to be the Mickey head icons as well as other pin manufacturers and distributors having their own "waffle pattern" designs. Some pins (new and old) have a Sandblasted Pebble Here are the different designs and in parenthesis you can see what Origin typically has this pattern -

Waffle-weave pattern – look like a very small checkerboard:

(Pins #PP1326 & #PP5488)

Sandblasted pebble finish – looks like tiny little pebbles, sometimes rough, sometimes almost smooth:

(Pins #PP41982, #PP158745 & #PP5466)

Shiny finish - Some pins have a very shiny finish, typically metallic:

(Pins #PP159415 & #PP158477)

Mickey-head waffle pattern:

(Pin # PP89887)

Sorcerer-hat waffle pattern (WDI):

Auction gavel waffle pattern (Disney Auctions):

(Pin # PP31736)

Gold Bar waffle pattern (ACME/HOTART):

(Pin # PP117296)

Ice Cream Cone waffle pattern (DSSH):

(Pin # PP134718)

Recycle-emblem waffle pattern (Uncas):

(Pin # PP151730)

Crown waffle pattern (Loungefly):

(Pin# PP157355)

Logos and Text on the Back of the Pin:

Important information is included on the back of many pins, for identification and for distinguishing between fakes/scrappers (as many scrappers have different back stamps than the legitimate versions). When looking at the text and logos on the back of the pin, list what logo(s) and/or transcribe the text that appear. Some pins (Hidden Mickey, Series, Game Prize sets, etc.) will state "Pin 9 of 12". Always transcribe this and it is nice to include this information at the end of the pin's front description, too.

Transcribing - Specify logos and transcribe text/copyright info. Use a comma to specify a line break and a period to specify a change of box/section. (Example: Official Disney Pins 2022 Logo. ©DISNEY, Made in China. Limited Edition of 1500)

Official Pin Trading [DATE] logo – The year is stamped in the bottom center of this logo. (You type the year between Trading and Date.)

Authentic Disney Pins [DATE] logo – US Disney pins have switched to this logo in 2023, but other Disney Parks still use the Official Pin Trading logo.

Cubic Mickey - A little square with a Cubic Zirconia Mickey head icon on the back of post-2022 Disney pins.

FAC number - You do not need to type the number, but specify if is it screen printed or raised letters. (Important to note, though, is that the same pin can have multiple styles of FAC numbers.)

Rivets - Mention if rivets are seen from a pin-on-pin device.

Transcribing FAC, Copyright and Text:

Over the years, the copyright and informative text has changed style and some pins include a lot of information while others have hardly anything. If the "©Disney" or "Made In China" is stamped in upper/lower case or in all-CAPS, transcribe it that way in your pin description. This can help in dating a pin or telling a scrapper/fake from a legitimate pin. Also - If it has "Made in China" in four languages, please just type the English line.

Just mention if there is an FAC number or not (do not specify if it is embossed or laser engraved) and do not type out the actual number itself.

There are some handy keyboard codes that you can simply type and you will get the copyright, trademark, and other symbols. Here are the common ones seen on the back of Disney pins:

Registered symbol - ® = Alt+0174

Trade Mark - ™ = Al+0153

More Logos on the Back of a Pin:

Official Pin Trading logo & Date – The year is stamped in the bottom center of this logo.

Authentic Pins logo & Date – US Disney pins have switched to this logo in 2023, but other Disney Parks still use the Official Pin Trading logo.

Adventures by Disney: