Artist Proof - are AP's more desireable than the regular pin?

[BilgeRat]

The title asks the question.

I'm curious if people actually put a premium on AP pins, or if they are generally treated like the non-AP version (which I assume is identical, except for the AP designation).

 

[starry_solo]

maybe 10-20% more, depending on the pin. If it's a DA or DS pin where there's only 3 made (black, gold, silver), then definitely a higher premium.

But if it's a LE1000-5000 park pin, probably only a few dollars.

 

[hopemax]

Agree with Starry Solo. They are kind of neat to have, but for regular pins the added value is only a little.

 

[froggerway]

I'm always the odd duck in these discussions but no way would I pay more for an AP pin. Who the heck cares and who's gonna know when the pin faces outwards? Unless you're into physically handling every pin you own just to show off tiny etched letters on the back or that the back of the pin has a different colored metal. Not gonna lie, though, if that's a trader's thing, chances are I'm steering clear of them.

Are they more desirable to the entirety of collectors? Nope. Probably less than 5% of Disney pin collectors physically seek out AP pins exclusively. But any time a person realizes they have obtained an AP pin, the excitement is apparently uncontainable.

Truth be told, I have never once checked to see if I own any AP pins, but that's just me. :roll:

 

[MomeRathsOutgrabe]

I treat AP pins the same as other pins; I do not consider them to be more valuable.

 

[Jabberwocky]

They really only hold some additional value to those few who collect them. (I'm one - I love the chance to expand my Wonderland collection with AP and PP pins.)

However, like any other pin I trade for, I'd want to know the origin/sourcing as a number of AP-stamped pins seem to be in the market - likely coming from China. And I'm not interested in those.

 

[coblj003]

Think of AP's and PP's as first runs, in that regard they are going to be better in quality but it'll vary on the pin. I happened on an AP of an HM opin house pin I had and the lettering/detail was sharper then the rack version. Does it make it any more valuable, probably not by much unless you collect them but it is cool if you happen across one...

 

[Tbird]

I could care less if it's a AP pin or not, I don't hold them as more valuable. Now that's just me though, I can't speak for anyone else.

 

[BilgeRat]

Thanks everyone!
I only ask because I received an AP pin in a trade, and each of us treated it as any other pin. Neither me or my trade partner treated it as having any unusual value over the non-AP version.

 

[GreyWyvern]

I am kind of the opposite. In trying to be a Figment completist, I'd rather have the pins that were sold retail so (barring being scrappers) I know their story about where they came from. It also makes me feel more... "legit" I guess, about being a "completionist."

The area where I consider APs to shine are APs of high edition size or open edition pins. These are the gems you find when everybody else has just the regular thing. But if it's a low edition size pin, or very rare, I would rather have the retail pin, always.

 

[Purplemandms]

I guess I'm one of the odd ones out in that I love AP pins and am over the moon when I find one. To me they're like the chaser of a pin collection - out of so many common pins, they have something that makes them unique. It's like finding a book signed by the author.

 

[a4matte]

I love getting ahold of PP and AP pins.
They're part of the production story for the pins and sometimes they vary from the final artwork.
Since I work in design and packaging it's just a nerdy guilty pleasure for me.

 

[ildar717]

APs are just like any other pin, nothing special about them. In fact, each of you should trade all your AP pins to me.

 

[echan50]

Think of AP's and PP's as first runs, in that regard they are going to be better in quality but it'll vary on the pin. I happened on an AP of an HM opin house pin I had and the lettering/detail was sharper then the rack version. Does it make it any more valuable, probably not by much unless you collect them but it is cool if you happen across one...

This is so interesting as I have gotten AP and PP pins with the opposite quality. It was the Cinderella DSF event where we pulled off AP pins with some scuffs and scratches as it appeared they were using the pins to verify the quality of the paint screening on the pin. I always thought that was the purpose of AP and PP pins as if they were treated as QC samples to make sure the machine was set up correctly for correct shade of color, temperature setting, etc.

I always treated AP/PP boards as a way to get pins to finish a series or to get a new pin to add to my collection. I will try to seek out prototype pins that were never released before but like the others have said a AP/PP is worth only a few more dollars if the pin was released.

 

[LuvSimba]

I don't go looking for AP or PP pins, but if one happens to show up for any of my themes, I keep it. It may or many not be any different than the production run, I still think it's pretty cool.

I have several AP and PP pins for trade, from OE to low LE. Many are not listed on pinpics, so when I receive a TA, and I have that pin in AP or PP, I let the other trader know.

 

[Girugamesh]

I have ran across one person on facebook who actually collects only APs, doesn't matter what pin it was as long as it had the little stamp.
Personally, I rather not trade or buy if the value is higher due to the fact the pin is AP but if I happen to come across one, particularly for my collection, it's a neat thing to have.

PTDs are usually common to have raised values if APs are found of them (mainly from DSF trading event boards)