Artist Proof -- What's the value / rarity?

Hey gang!

so, in my few months as an actual pin trader, I've heard the term Artist Proof tossed around with an air of "oooooh! Shiny and rare!" As I never had one, I didn't really pay attention to it.

But now I do!!!


Pin 72675: Friday the 13th - Twilight Zone(TM) Tower of Terror - Goofy



I scored it in Jrdnsmom's awesome grab bag game!

So, I have no idea what Artist Proof is, what it means, and what value it gives the pin. Can anyone help me out? Thanks!

~Merlin

It really depends on who you're talking to in terms of value. Some people don't care at all if it's an AP. Others will consider it much more valuable than the regular version.

Artists Proofs are pretty much the first sample of the pins before they go into the final production stage. They're definitely significantly more rare than the regular version, but as I said before, some people don't care much about that value when they're trading.

I have a few friends who actively look for AP pins and are pretty much obsessed with them. Personally, it doesn't do anything for me. To each their own, though! =)

If its a really popular set like the Reveal/Conceal girls the pin can be worth more than the regular pins in the set. If the pins not that popular, say your run of the mill OE pin, the AP isn't going to be valuable. It will be a cool pin to have but you wont help you in the long run.

Artist Proofs are nearly ALWAYS worth more than the original pin it is based off of since an AP or PP has only a few in existence. However, how much more popular it is depends on how popular the original pin is itself. A Tangled AP is going to be highly sought compared to a Fab 5 AP of just the 5 of them standing around or something. It really depends on if you can find someone who already wants just the pin itself, then for them an AP is something huge.

For example, that AP that you have doesn't interest me, but neither does the Tangled Opening Day AP. However, someone on the forums mentioned they had a Kingdom Hearts Mickey in Org. Cloak AP pin and for me, THAT would be quite the pin to own. So having an AP of a pin seems to only be good for someone who really loves the pin originally, not just an average collector who kind of likes the pin, they'd rather just have the normal pin instead of shelling out a bit for the AP I find

Where is the AP in this pin?

Combatdre said:

Where is the AP in this pin?

Click to expand...

It's in the bottom right corner of the Disney / China stamp.

~Merlin

AP = Another Pin.

Even in collections I'm a completist in, I don't go out of my way to get AP pins. If a pin is an AP I might add a tiny tiny but of value to it. Typically if I have the AP and not the regular I still want the regular. But if I have the regular already I almost never want the AP unless its offered and valued probably less than 10% above the regular pin. That's about the absolute max I'd add for the extra stamp.

I have a few AP pins but the lettering is bigger, maybe because they're older. There are some people who collect AP's and others who just don't care. All in all, the value you put on the pin is up to you

If there is an UP AP, I trade it as a regular pin as there is no difference to me except for it being the first few of the run and an AP stamped on the back that, myself, can not verify its authentic status. I have seen many that people stamp themselves. I know of a few Pinpics members that live and breath AP stamped pins but it is all up to you and your collection.

PP's are a different story. I have one that there is no difference than the actual pin made but has the PP on back. They may or may not be different than the actual run of pins. There is a thread that describes the difference on the Forum somewhere. It is a nice read.

Its all up to you if the pin has a stamp on the back.

Thanks everyone! This has been incredibly helpful! I really appreciate it!

~Merlin

didnt see anyone link this, and its very informative if you havent read it,
http://disneypinforum.com/showthrea...nd-Pre-Production-(PP)-Pins-Guide-and-FAQ’s


give this a whirl and see if it doenst help some?

I was going to say, find DLRPintrader92 (Matt Jackson) and he can tell you all you want to know about APs and PPs.