4. Check for a serial number

Pin with Serial Number

In recent years, Disney has printed or molded a serial number onto the actual pin. This is a reference number that varies from pin to pin, that can easily be searched on a database to check its authenticity. If your pin has this, it is definitely the genuine article.

5. Examine the coloring

Authentic and Fake Pin ColoringThe eyes give away the fake coloring on this pin

Veteran pin traders can usually spot a fake a mile away based on its coloring. Cheap knockoffs use cheap paints and the makers of said fakes usually don’t care too much. One of the most common colors to look for is a dirty yellow where a green or gray may have been. Also, if the coloring seems too bright even for a Disney character it may mean the pin isn’t genuine. Be on the lookout for pins that have coloring coming off the surface. Official Disney pins shouldn’t lose their paint in the hot sunny Florida or California weather. If you pin has peeling paint, you should add it to your scrap pile.

6. Look for sharp lines

Sharp Lines on a Pin

A lot of hard work goes into creating a genuine Disney pin trading pin. That means that no matter how small the lettering, you should still be able to make out all the words. The small details of the object on the pin are the same. If the character on the pin has his arm at his side and you see more silver line than shirt color, that pin may not be the real deal.

7. Look at the pin’s edges

Rough Edges Indicate a Fake

The edges of a pin can tell a person a lot. Fake pins often have rough cut edges that are caused by the quick work and shoddy workmanship put into each pin. A fake may also be a bit too thin, and feel too light. Obviously each pin’s weight varies from pin to pin based on size, but if one large pin clearly weighs less than a smaller, less exciting pin, it’s probably fake.

Because of the enormity of the Disney Pin Trading program, there really is a pin for everyone. Kids love to trade pins and often don’t care if a pin is real or not. It’s all a matter of perspective. If your kids are in it for the fun of the game, let them trade with impunity. If you’re a serious adult collector, however, and want to keep your collection authentic or perhaps even make some money on eBay from a rare and valuable find, these tricks will help you avoid the counterfeits and keep your collection clean.