Pin 101
The acronyms every new collector meets: LE, OE, HM, PP.
The four acronyms you will see everywhere
Disney pin collecting has its own shorthand. You will see these four letter-combos on every listing, lanyard, and forum post. Learn them and 80% of pin-speak clicks.
LE — Limited Edition
A fixed number of pins were made, period. "LE 2000" means only 2,000 exist worldwide. Each one is numbered on the back — e.g. 417/2000.
Smaller LE numbers (LE 300, LE 500) are rarer and typically hold more value than LE 2000 or LE 3000.
OE — Open Edition
Made in unlimited quantity while the pin is "in print." Most park retail pins are OE. No edition number on the back — just a Disney pin logo.
OE pins are the everyday cast of collecting: easy to find, friendly on the wallet, great for trading.
HM — Hidden Mickey
Pins made specifically for Cast Members to trade. You can't buy them at retail — you trade with a Cast Member wearing a lanyard.
They usually come as themed sets (characters, attractions, silhouettes) and are marked "Hidden Mickey" on the back.
PP — Pin Pursuit / Pin of the Month
Sometimes "PP" is shorthand for "Pin Pursuit" (a limited series you chase) or "Pin of the Month" (a recurring drop). Context tells you which.
Flip the pin over. If you see a number like 417/2000, it is LE. If you see "Hidden Mickey" text, it is HM. Everything else is usually OE.