POW-MIA Lapel Pin Value Guide

Created in 1972 by Newton Heisley, the POW-MIA emblem is a poignant symbol of American service members unaccounted for during the Vietnam War. These vintage lapel pins are highly collectible as historical artifacts of the National League of Families' movement to ensure no soldier was forgotten.

What Is POW-MIA Lapel Pin Worth?

The typical price range for POW-MIA Lapel Pin is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the enamel, specifically looking for chips, fading, or yellowing of the white silhouette.
• The integrity of the gold plating and whether there is significant rubbing or base metal exposure.
• Historical provenance or association with specific veteran organizations from the 1972-1980 period.
• Market demand for authentic Vietnam War-era homefront memorabilia and remembrance items.

How to Identify POW-MIA Lapel Pin?

• Look for the specific silhouette of a prisoner of war positioned against a guard tower and a barbed-wire bayonet.
• Verify the materials are gold-plated metal with high-quality enamel fill consistent with 1972-1980 production.
• Check for the 'National League of Families' official emblem design which was standardized during the early 1970s.
• Examine the reverse side for period-appropriate clutch or safety pin attachments common in the Vietnam era.

History of POW-MIA Lapel Pin

The POW-MIA flag and its emblem were created in 1972 by Newton Heisley to raise public awareness and support for American service members unaccounted for during the Vietnam War. It quickly became a national symbol of remembrance and solidarity for all prisoners of war and those missing in action from all conflicts. The emblem serves as a constant reminder to never forget those who sacrificed so much.