The actual first pin that was sold at SDC and listed on their site was in 1998. Pin trading at the city began in 2001 with the release of 4 pins that year and has grown to 400+ pins released to date. The pin prices for newly released pins in 2010 ranged from $5.00 to $10.00. The older out of circulation pins would have to be traded for or purchased thru other means. There are special employee pins that can only be obtained by trading with an employee. At last year's pin trading event which was held at the Culinary & Craft School there were close to 200 people. The pin trading event is put on by SDC annually to honor it's pin traders. The pins are collectibles just like sports cards, pez dispensers, etc. I myself don't know of anyone that has a full collection. I have met a few that like less than 20 to complete their collection, even a couple that like less than 5. The one thing that makes this hobby so special to me is the connection with SDC.