Rarity and Provenance:

Pins issued directly by sovereign indigenous nations, such as the Seminole Tribe, are produced in extremely limited quantities—often for internal use, delegation trading, or gifts to high-level dignitaries. Unlike mass-produced pins, this item represents a select distribution to individuals associated with the Tribe’s delegation or outreach during the Games. Its scarcity is heightened by its specific focus on the Tribe, which maintains significant cultural and commercial operations, particularly in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area and throughout South Florida, including extensive enterprises that fund their sovereign government and cultural preservation efforts.

Historical Context (Seminole Tribe and Fort Lauderdale):

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is renowned for its resilience and for maintaining its sovereignty and cultural identity in the face of history. The Tribe’s presence and influence are substantial in the Fort Lauderdale/South Florida region, where their reservation lands and business headquarters are vital economic hubs. This pin, therefore, acts as a historical marker of the Tribe's global outreach and its decision to have a representation or presence at the Sydney Games, using the international stage to elevate the profile of the Seminole Nation and their unique culture, which thrives adjacent to the bustling modern city of Fort Lauderdale.

Condition:

The pin appears to be in Very Fine (VF) to Excellent (EX) condition, with vibrant enamel colors and minimal to no signs of wear, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of Olympic history, indigenous American artifacts, and rare geopolitical memorabilia.