Collecting World Figure Skating Pins: A Timeless Allure.

Last Updated on February 27, 2026 by Netropolitan Museum

Celebrating the history and prestige of World Championship pins from around the globe

Not all figure skating pins are created equal. While some pins are forgettable souvenirs made only to please those who “like skating,” the pins celebrated at The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins are far more significant: they commemorate major events from around the world. At the very top of that collecting hierarchy stand pins from World Figure Skating Championships—the sport’s most prestigious ISU-sanctioned event. And we’re not ashamed to say that only figure skating pins with a championship pedigree get our collecting attention, prized not just for their artistry but for the importance of the competitions they commemorate.

Pins Gallery: World Figure Skating Championships

Today, let’s look at 25 of the most interesting World Championships pins, starting with 1898 and progressing to 1990. Each pin in this curated gallery was chosen for a specific reason: exceptional design and production, distinctive shape or color, unusual thematic element, or notable rarity. Collectively, the selections show the look and feel of the host cities, cultural identity and symbolism of their times, design and craftsmanship of different eras, and the enduring prestige of the event. And although only a few World Championship pins are shown here, visitors are encouraged to explore the full archive at The Netropolitan to discover additional pins (many events featured several pins) and their histories.

The Golden Era of Collecting

Figure skating pin collecting experienced its zenith in the mid-1980s, a time when collectors of all ages would line up at competitions, swap pins at every opportunity, and eagerly seek out mementos from every major event. Today, the widespread community of collectors that once eagerly shared stories, helped one another build their collections, and excitedly traded pins no longer exists. What remains, however, are the pins themselves: vivid, tangible reminders of the sport’s rich history and artistry.

Building Your Own Collection

Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or just discovering the hobby, collecting figure skating event pins—from just World Championships or from many different events—is a way to celebrate the sport and help preserve its history. Starting a collection can be as simple as choosing pins from competitions that resonate with you and gradually expanding your collection over time. With The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins dedicated to showcasing the best of the best of these pins—those through 1990—there’s even hope that a renaissance in figure skating pin collecting could one day take hold. Become a part of it!

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