(Updated July 2008)

Tomart's Disneyana Guide to Pin Trading is an interesting annual publication, with over 17,000 color pictures of pins and plenty of information.  That said, without changes, it really can't be used as a faithful Value Guide these days, thanks to eBay.

What's Right about Tomart's

There still ARE reasons to purchase this publication and the 6th Edition is an improvement over past editions as far as pin history is concerned; regardless of the negatives, I still buy the soft-cover book and would encourage anyone serious about Disney pin collecting to consider do the same (you can usually find it on eBay).

One of the best things about Tomart's is its section on the history of Disney pins; though its section on the history of Disney pins could be more extensive (talking about the various manufacturers more), it does provide collectors an overall understanding of how Disney pins developed over time.  In addition, it has quite a few vintage pins not listed anywhere else.  Pictures are generally crisp and clean.

What's Wrong with Tomart's (Or Why It No Longer Works as a Faithful Value Guide)

Before eBay, Tomart's was able to set the agenda on the values of pins.  But eBay opened the door to worldwide marketing, making Tomart's Value Guide somewhat useless.  The guide uses an A-B-C-D-E listing to rate pin prices.  An "A" rating means the pin is valued under $10.  B = $11 to $35, C = $36 to $75, D = $75 to $125, E = $126 to $175 and "Actual" is used for anything above $175.  A "+" or "-" is used after the letter to denote where on the scale the pin's value lies.

The problems with this kind of Value Guide are varied:

• The Guide is out of date the moment it is published.  Though you can purchase a subscription which list around 800 new pins each issue, the value pins are not adjusted monthly.  What was wildly popular back in February may be common in October.
• Tomart's still doesn't face reality.  In their 5th edition, they state, "Some Internet bids are bizarre at times when people get carried away, but an off-the-wall sale usually attracts like items to be posted which command lower cost."  While this is true at times, it's not the norm.  eBay is the ultimate capitalist marketplace where buyers dictate prices.  Yes, some items do go wildly out of control on prices (the 2005 Piece of History series is a good current example of this), but ultimately a person will pay what the consensus of the marketplace is, and prices tend to balance themselves out over time.
• Tomart's refuses to consider individual pins within a set.  While I understand their stand, this also is not the reality of pin trading/collecting.  The value of a framed set vs. the total value of each pin within that set being marketed separately can be quite different.
• Tomart's doesn't seem to realize it is no longer in control of prices.  We would all like to see our pins increase in value, but the truth is, with eBay's worldwide market, some pins' values have decreased.  An example of that is some vintage pins.  Whereas in the past a classic Brier Manufacturing pin from the 1930s could command a "D" rating ($75 to $125), the actual eBay value of these pins is about half that.  Disney Store and Disney Catalog sets are another example, where Tomart's over-values items.  The reverse can also be said: Some pins which Tomart's rates as pretty common now command a much higher price.  It would serve Tomart's well to set up a site online if they want to reflect current price trends rather than trying to set them.

One other problem with Tomart's catalog is how it sorts pins.  It's very hard to follow.  Tracking down a specific pin can be very frustrating.  I would encourage them to switch to strict Character listings, a multi-character listing, then boxed and framed sets.

So How Can Value Be Determined Faithfully?

Personally, Tomart's no longer does it for me.  So where can you get a better sense of what a pin is worth?  I would suggest the Pin Trader sites like PinPics and Dizpins.

When looking at the value of a pin, look at how many people on pin trader sites want it pin vs. how many people are willing to part with theirs.  Take into consideration the age of the pin and the number of pins in the edition size.  Look at the circumstances of how the pin was made available to the public (was it openly available or did you have to attend a special event)?  If it was a Cast Member pin, was it just given to all CMs or did it have to be earned?  Finally, research the individual pins on eBay.  Don't look at what the asking price is...look at pieces are actually getting bids.

Tomart's did say something in its Guide that I very much agree with: "Collecting and trading should be engaged in for enjoyment rather than investment..."  Value is important, but the real issue is always going to be the enjoyment you get from your purchase.

If you learned something from this article, I'd appreciate you taking a moment to mark "YES" below where it asks if the Guide Was Helpful...thank you!