Here are the details on "notched" pins and patches (rockers). You may also see these referred to as "tabbed" or "cutout". I've also included HOG membership numbers by year.

To see the Harley Owners Group collectibles in my eBay store, click HOG Collectibles.

The Harley Owners Group (HOG) started in 1983.

When someone first joins HOG, they receive a membership pin and patch (an eagle with no year indicated). Then, for the SECOND year (and each subsequent year), when they renew, they get a renewal pin and patch set (rockers) which have the year indicated on the front. These are meant to be worn below the original membership pin and patch.

In the 80s, they had special notced (aka tabbed or cutout) rockers for members first year of renewal. These cutouts in the upper corners allowed the pin to fit nicely below the first year patch (or pin).

A member who joined HOG when the group first formed in 1983 got a notched set for 84 when they renewed.  However, all subsequent rockers they receive (85 and later) would not be notched. All 1984 rockers are notched (since members either joined (and got the first year pin and patch) or renewed for their first time in 84 and got notched rockers).

Around 2002, we started seeing UN-notched 84 rockers. These are new rockers that were created by HOG as replacements for original members. Alhtough they signify an original member who renewed in 84, they are not the original rockers that were distributed in 1984. They ARE still authentic HOG rockers.

1985 patches originally were either notched or with pointy top edges (unlike ANY other year).  Replacements look just like any other year's 2nd year patches. These are also not the original rockers distributed in 1985. They ARE still authentic HOG rockers.

The practice of having two separate types of rockers went on throughout the 80s, but was stopped in 1990.  1989 is is the most recent notched rocker you will find.

Collectors collect different things for different reasons. The unnotched rockers seem to be the most desirable to collectors (based on eBay sales). And obviously, the older the rocker, the more rare it is.

HOG membership numbers were as follows:

If you have any questions about any of this or if you would like to quote any of this information, please email me.

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I also have a 9-part guide with all of the pins from Harley's 100th Anniversary:

1. Part 1: Dealer Silver: All sterling silver 100th anniversary pins sold by Harley dealerships.
2. Part 2: Dealer Miscellaneous: All "non-silver" 100th pins sold by Harley dealerships.
3. Part 3: Open Road Tour: All Open Road Tour pins (2002-2003).
4. Part 4: Pin Stop Pins: All 2003 HOG Pin Stop and HOG Hospitality pins.
5. Part 5: Open House: All 2003 Open House pins.
6. Part 6: The Ride Home: The 2003 Ride Home pin (and set).
7. Part 7: The Celebration: Pins from The Celebration in Milwaukee in August 2003.
8. Part 8: Miscellaneous: Miscellaneous pins from 2003 not listed in previous sections.
9. Part 9: Fakes: Bootleg and other fake 100th anniversary pins.