1970 European Figure Skating Pins: Lacking in Character.

When commemorative design yields to mass production and ideological display

There’s an old saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder—and few corners of collecting test that idea quite like 1970 European Figure Skating Championships pins, issued for the event held in Leningrad, USSR. For collectors who enjoy a challenge (or perhaps a bit of aesthetic endurance), this particular group offers an experience that is as fascinating as it is, at times, confounding. Consider this fair warning: what follows reflects a distinctly critical perspective. As always in collecting, your own eye—and your own standards—are what matter most.

If there were ever a competition for the least inspired commemorative pins tied to a major skating event, this group would be difficult to beat. The sheer volume alone sets the tone. Rather than a thoughtfully curated set, what emerged feels more like an unchecked proliferation. Most examples share a common material—lightweight aluminum alloy—and an equally common shortcoming: a lack of imagination. Aside from a couple of examples, the designs just don’t rise above the utilitarian.

Pins and Medal Gallery: 1970 European Figure Skating Championships

Yet this is precisely where the 1970 European Figure Skating Championships pins somehow become interesting from a historical standpoint. The abundance of variations suggests not a single, unified production run but an extended period of output—possibly reflecting centralized manufacturing practices in the Soviet Union, where commemorative items were often produced in waves rather than as fixed editions. For collectors, this blurs the line between what is truly “of the event” and what may have followed later as part of a broader propaganda effort.

Within The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins, nearly 30 distinct examples tied to this event have surfaced over time. That number alone hints at the scale of production. Eventually, a decision was made to stop actively pursuing additional variations. At a certain point, accumulation begins to dilute meaning. A commemorative item, by definition, should commemorate—not multiply endlessly. And yet, even within this sea of sameness, there are moments that invite a second look. Among the more intriguing pieces are those incorporating a Fresnel-like effect, where the central logo shifts to reveal a different skater silhouette as the pin is tilted. These are not masterpieces, but they do hint at an effort—however modest—to experiment with visual engagement.

The second category of pins (shown two at a time and listed below) introduces a more structured concept: role-based identification. These share a uniform design, differentiated by colored bars showing function:

• ISU Delegate, Competitor
• Coach, Referee
• Team Leader, Federation
• Organizing Committee, Press

The idea itself is practical, even elegant in theory, though the execution remains firmly in line with the overall aesthetic restraint of the set. From a historical lens, these role-designated pins offer something the logo pins do not: context. They provide a tangible link to the organizational structure of the event, quietly documenting the hierarchy and roles that made the competition possible. For collectors interested in storytelling, these pieces may hold more value than their visual appeal suggests.

And then, finally, there is the participant medal—a striking departure from the rest. Substantial in both size and presence, it carries a sense of purpose that the pins largely lack. The wear visible on surviving examples only adds to its appeal, suggesting it was handled, carried, and perhaps even valued by those who received it. Unlike the pins, which feel mass-produced to the point of anonymity, the medal conveys permanence. It serves as a reminder that not all commemorative objects are created with the same intent—some are meant to be kept, others simply to exist.

In the end, 1970 European Figure Skating Championships pins occupy a peculiar place in the collecting landscape. They are not admired for their beauty, nor for their craftsmanship. And perhaps that is their quiet value. Not every piece in a collection needs to inspire admiration. Some exist to provoke thought, to raise questions, or simply to remind us that even in a field defined by elegance, there are moments when things go decidedly … off script.

This blog was originally published at The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins on October 16, 2021, and has been updated with new and expanded information.

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