Q: I would like to learn more about the political buttons I received from a relative.

A: Buttons, especially political buttons, have been popular collectibles since the 1890s. The first mass-produced political buttons were made in 1896 for Republican Presidential nominee William McKinley.

Since then, presidential elections, and many local or state elections, have had buttons as campaign merchandise.

The earliest buttons are called “celluloid buttons” because they were made with a celluloid cover over a paper layer on a metal base. Today, most buttons are made of metal. There may be multiple designs associated with a candidate, even in the same election.

Collectors look for buttons made for candidates’ campaigns, not the ones sold at gift shops. Political buttons have been reproduced since the 1970s, and while they are also collectible, they sell for only a few dollars.

Authentic buttons can be worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars if they are rare designs in good condition. Buttons with pictures are usually worth more than buttons with just text.

Jugate buttons, which have pictures of both the presidential candidate and running mate, often have the highest value.

Check the back and edge of a button for its maker, the year it was made or other identifying information.

The American Political Items Collectors club (www.apic.us) has more information and resources.

Also, Hake’s Auctions (www.Hakes.com) is a great resource for what buttons are selling and for how much.

To learn more about buttons, check out “Button Power: 125 Years of Saying it With Buttons” by Christen Carter and Ted Hake.