Understanding Chase Pins, LE Pins, Variants, and Artist Proofs

Understanding Chase Pins, LE Pins, Variants, and Artist Proofs

A Beginner-to-Intermediate Guide for Pin Collectors

If you’ve spent any time in the Disney pin trading community (or any modern enamel pin scene), you’ve probably seen terms like “Chase,” “LE,” “Variant,” and “AP” thrown around in Facebook groups, on Pinpics, or in eBay listings. These terms describe rarity, production differences, and special editions that dramatically affect a pin’s value and desirability. Here’s what they actually mean.

1. LE Pins (Limited Edition)

The most common “rarity” designation.

  • LE stands for Limited Edition.
  • The exact number of pins produced is stated on the backstamp (e.g., “Limited Edition of 3000” or “LE 500”).
  • Once that edition size is reached, the mold is supposed to be retired or destroyed (in practice, Disney is very good about this; some smaller companies are less strict).
  • The lower the LE number, the more valuable the pin tends to be, all else being equal.
    • LE 100–500 = very sought-after
    • LE 1000–3000 = common “modern” limited edition range
    • LE 4000+ or “Open Edition” = generally not considered rare

2. Chase Pins

The surprise rarity within a set.

  • A Chase pin is a randomly inserted, unadvertised pin in a blind box or mystery pouch series.
  • Disney usually produces Chase pins in much smaller quantities than the regular pins in the same set (often 1 Chase for every 10–20 common pins, sometimes even rarer).
  • They are never marked as “Chase” on the packaging — that’s part of the fun (and frustration).
  • Because collectors don’t know which pin they’re getting, Chase pins create excitement and drive multiple purchases.
  • Example: In the 2024 “Disney Cats in Boxes” mystery series, the regular pins were LE 400 each, but the two Chase pins (Marie in a hatbox and Figaro in a gift box) were only 200 pieces each and are now worth 5–10× the commons.

3. Variants (a.k.a. “Error” or “Color Variants”)

When something in production accidentally (or sometimes intentionally) changes.

True variants are usually mistakes:

  • Wrong color enamel
  • Missing enamel fill
  • Different metal plating (gold instead of silver, black nickel, etc.)
  • Misaligned screens or stamps

Collectors separate variants into two categories:

  1. Production variants – a portion of the run was made differently before the error was caught (these can be valuable).
  2. One-off freaks – usually not considered legitimate variants by serious collectors.

Some companies (especially loungefly and independent artists) now intentionally create “variant” versions with different glitter, rainbow metal, or translucent enamel and market them as separate editions.

4. Artist Proofs (APs)

The holy grail for many collectors.

  • When a factory produces a new pin, they run a small test batch (usually 10–50 pieces) before full production.
  • These test pieces are stamped “AP” or “Artist Proof” on the back instead of the normal edition numbering.
  • APs are given to the artist, the licensor (Disney, Marvel, etc.), and sometimes the factory or sales reps.
  • Because so few exist and they never enter normal retail channels, APs are almost always the rarest version of any pin.
  • Many collectors consider an AP the “ultimate” version to own, even more than an LE 10 or a Chase.

Quick rarity hierarchy (general rule of thumb): AP (10–50) > Chase (200–900) > Super-low LE (LE 100–300) > Regular low LE (LE 500–3000) > Variant (depends on how many exist) > Open Edition

Real-World Value Examples (as of late 2025)

  • 2023 WDI MOG Sorcerer Mickey LE 300 → $250–$400
  • Same pin, Chase version (randomly inserted) → $800–$1200
  • Same pin, Artist Proof → $2000–$4000 (when one surfaces)

Tips for New Collectors

  1. Always check the backstamp – real LE and AP pins will clearly state the edition size or “AP.”
  2. Be cautious with “variant” listings on eBay – many are just damaged or fake.
  3. Chase pins are never pre-orderable; if someone is selling a “pre-sale Chase,” it’s usually a scam or they’re just guessing.
  4. Artist Proofs almost never appear at parks or official stores – they surface through cast members, artists, or secondary market years later.

The thrill of pin collecting often comes from hunting these ultra-rare versions. Whether you’re chasing the random Chase insert in a blind box, sniping a low-number LE on release day, or dreaming of the day an Artist Proof of your grail shows up, understanding these terms is the first step to navigating the wild world of modern pin trading.

Happy hunting, and may your next mystery pouch contain the Chase (or better yet, someone’s spare AP)! 🪄

Which of these categories is your white whale — a Chase you keep pulling commons for, or an AP you’ll never afford? Drop it in the comments!

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