MD-24 started the first multiple district pin trading club.
The Tradition of Trading:
All over the world, pins are traded by individual Lions at the International Convention as well as at pin swaps held at lots of events in many locations. Some Lions also trade with others by mail. Pins are frequently posted on eBay and other auction sites. Occasionally, full collections become available for sale.
MD-24 pins are available for purchase through district pin chairmen and MD 24 annual prestige pins are available via order from the Pin Traders Club of Virginia. The site also provides information about pin trading activities as well as reference materials concerning pins issued by Virginia clubs, districts, special organizations and individuals.
Many multiple districts have associations of pin traders, and there is also the Lions International Trading Pin Club (LITPC) which oversees the hobby and coordinates activities. The site has information about pins issued by Lions and Lions organizations.
Lions pins depict many subjects. Some collectors and traders choose one or two categories or subjects for their collections. Beginning collectors often focus on MD pins, pin trader pins, or pins highlighting themes such as the Civil War, aviation, military subjects, animals, flowers, trains, or even Santa Claus.
Lions Pin Trading:
By Lion Phil Sharpe, District 24-L Pin Trading Lead
Most Lions pin traders will tell you that the hobby starts with receiving a pin on your club’s anniversary or from attendance at a district conference or state convention. That’s how it started for me, but it didn’t take long before I was captivated by the number and variety of pins available for collectors.
Over the years my wife and I have attended pin swaps all over the country and treasure the friendships we’ve made trading pins. I echo the words of a pin trader who described a pin swap as part picking up new additions to her hobby and part family reunion – "It's a time to indulge in our hobby and fellowship with those who share it."
For more information, contact me at 540-879-1070 or philtrader@verizon.net or Randy Suslick, Pin Traders Club of Virginia President at 434-372-4345 or sandyrandy1969@gmail.com or Mary Lou Newman, Pin Traders Club of Virginia Secretary at 757-220-4809 or minewman0@verizon.net.
Come join us!