Remember the 90s? Scrunchies, dial-up internet, and Beanie Babies were all the rage. If you were a kid (or the parent of one) during that decade, chances are your home was overflowing with these adorable little plush toys. And who could forget the whispers and rumors? “They’ll be worth a fortune someday!” We were all convinced our Beanie Baby collections were our ticket to early retirement.
…Right?
Well, maybe that fortune hasn’t materialized just yet, but there’s still something special about those cuddly critters. Whether you were a casual collector or a die-hard Beanie enthusiast, it’s time to dust off those boxes and take a closer look. We’re diving deep into the world of Beanie Babies to uncover which ones are truly valuable, how to determine their worth, and why these plush toys continue to captivate collectors around the globe.
But first, let’s rewind and explore how Ty Warner, a former actor with a dream, turned bean-filled animals into one of the biggest toy crazes in history.
In 1993, Ty Warner introduced his unique line of bean-filled plush animals to small, local toy stores. Unlike traditional stuffed animals filled with cotton or fiber, Beanie Babies were filled with plastic pellets, giving them a unique, floppy feel. Ty Inc. strategically limited production and distribution, creating artificial scarcity that fueled demand. Suddenly, Beanie Babies were flying off the shelves, sparking a frenzy as people scrambled to collect these cuddly commodities, fearing they’d disappear at any moment. This clever marketing tactic ignited the Beanie Baby craze and transformed them into highly sought-after collectibles.
Jump To
The Original 9 Beanie Babies: The OG Squad
For any serious Beanie Baby collector, the “Original 9” are legendary. These were the very first Beanie Babies released by Ty Inc. in 1993, launching the global phenomenon. These pioneers of plush were: Spot the Dog, Squealer the Pig, Patti the Platypus, Brownie the Bear (later renamed “Cubbie”), Chocolate the Moose, Pinchers the Lobster, Splash the Whale, Legs the Frog, and Flash the Dolphin. Owning one of these original Beanies, especially in good condition and with tag variations, could mean you’re sitting on a little piece of Beanie Baby history – and potentially some real value. Keep an eye out for those early generation heart-shaped swing tags and any quirky errors on the TY tush tag – these are the details that can make a difference.
And yes, they are called tush tags. Embrace the 90s nostalgia.
Decoding Beanie Baby Value: What Makes Them Worth Money?
So, you’re ready to assess your collection. But how do you actually determine a Beanie Baby’s value? It’s not as simple as looking at online listings and assuming those sky-high prices are real. Several factors come into play, and understanding these nuances is crucial. While production quirks and errors can significantly boost the value of the rarest Beanies, these details matter less if the Beanie is a common, mass-produced variety. In the world of collectibles, rarity reigns supreme. Beanie Babies from the early generations, particularly those with first-generation heart-shaped swing tags, generally hold the highest value.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to examine when evaluating your plush treasures:
-
Tags, Tags, Tags: Those iconic heart-shaped Beanie Baby tags – both the swing tag (hang tag) and the tush tag – are absolutely essential. They are like a Beanie Baby’s birth certificate, providing crucial information about its production date and generation. Missing or damaged tags can dramatically reduce a Beanie’s value, sometimes rendering it virtually worthless to serious collectors. However, tag errors, such as misspellings, printing mistakes, or tag variations, can actually send the value soaring! Here’s a closer look at what to look for:
- The Hang Tag (Swing Tag): This is the heart-shaped red tag attached to the Beanie Baby with the “TY” logo. It’s the first thing collectors look for. A missing or significantly damaged hang tag is a major red flag and will severely diminish the value. Think about it – these tags were not designed for rough play. If your Beanie Babies were well-loved and spent time in toy boxes, backpacks, or as nighttime snuggle buddies, pristine hang tags might be a rare find.
- The Tush Tag (Bottom Tag): Located on the Beanie’s bottom, the tush tag should ideally match the hang tag in terms of generation and information. Errors on the tush tag, like misspellings, incorrect dates, or variations in the registered trademark symbol (® vs. TM), are highly sought after by collectors and can significantly increase value. Interestingly, many parents, concerned about safety, used to cut off these tush tags to prevent choking hazards for young children. This means finding vintage Beanie Babies from the 90s with intact tush tags can be more challenging, adding to their collectibility.
-
Stuffing Material: PVC vs. PE Pellets: The type of pellets used to stuff Beanie Babies is another important value indicator. Original Beanie Babies were filled with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pellets. In 1998, Ty Inc. transitioned to PE (polyethylene) pellets, claiming they were more environmentally friendly. This switch makes Beanie Babies produced with PVC pellets less common and potentially more valuable to collectors. The tush tag will indicate whether a Beanie Baby contains PVC or PE pellets.
- Beyond environmental considerations, the shift to PE pellets also altered the feel of Beanie Babies. PE pellets provided greater flexibility, allowing owners to pose their Beanies in different positions, unlike the stiffer feel of PVC-filled Beanies, which more closely resembled traditional teddy bears. This subtle difference in texture can be another point of interest for discerning collectors.
Ultimately, remember this golden rule: a Beanie Baby’s true value is simply what someone is willing to pay for it!
Beanie Baby Values in 2025: Separating Fact from Fiction
If you’ve spent any time researching Beanie Baby values online, you’ve likely encountered sensational headlines claiming certain Beanies are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Articles touting Princess Diana Beanie Babies for $500,000 or more are rampant. However, it’s crucial to approach these claims with extreme skepticism. Many of these inflated prices originate from fake eBay listings designed to artificially inflate the market and prey on unsuspecting individuals. The Princess Diana Beanie Baby, for example, despite its commemorative nature, was mass-produced and is not inherently rare or exceptionally valuable.
The reality of the current secondary market is far more nuanced. While the Beanie Baby craze of the 90s has subsided, a dedicated collector base still exists, willing to invest in genuinely rare and pristine examples. Beanie Babies with verifiable errors (color defects, spelling mistakes, tag errors) can command higher prices due to their uniqueness. However, it’s essential to distinguish between genuine rarities and common variations or errors that don’t significantly impact value. The Beanie Baby market has matured, and today’s collectors are primarily focused on condition, authenticity, and the specific attributes that truly denote rarity.
So, let’s cut through the hype and get to the real numbers. Below is an authentic guide to 25 of the rarest and most valuable Beanie Babies in 2025, based on verifiable sales data. The sale prices listed are derived from the highest recent “sold” listings on eBay for Beanie Babies in mint condition with tags intact, as of February 2025. These are not average prices, but rather indicative of the higher end of the market for exceptional examples. It’s important to remember that even on reputable platforms like eBay, the possibility of fraudulent sales exists to manipulate perceived market value. We have diligently vetted the sales data to ensure the listed collectibles were sold to legitimate buyers for the reported amounts. For an additional point of reference, we’ve included the prices offered by Sell2BBNovelties.com, a well-known and respected Beanie Baby buyer, for mint-condition versions.
Important Note: All prices and values referenced below pertain to standard-size Beanie Babies.
“
Alt text: Millennium Beanie Baby Bear, a collectible plush toy commemorating the year 2000, showcasing its swing tag and poem.
25. Millennium the Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $12 (11/16/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.25
As the name suggests, Millennium the Bear was released in 1999 to commemorate the arrival of the new millennium. Early production runs of Millennium Bear featured a spelling error on the tags, “Millenium” instead of “Millennium.” While this might seem like a significant error, it’s actually quite common and doesn’t substantially increase the bear’s value. Despite exaggerated claims in fake online listings, including one ludicrously claiming a $20,000 sale, Millennium Bear was mass-produced, and the spelling error is too widespread to be considered a rarity.
As of early 2025, Millennium the Bear’s market value is modest. The highest legitimate recent sale we could verify was just $12. Perhaps Millennium’s value will appreciate in the future, but for now, this turn-of-the-century bear remains a common and relatively inexpensive Beanie Baby.
24. Pinchers the Lobster
Highest Recent Sale Price: $25.89 (11/30/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50
Pinchers the Lobster holds a special place in Beanie Baby history as one of the coveted Original 9. Having been retired long ago, you might assume Pinchers would be a rare find.
Think again.
Despite his “original” status, Pinchers is not particularly scarce. This, however, hasn’t stopped unscrupulous sellers on eBay from attempting to inflate his value to outlandish prices, sometimes as high as $10,000! There is a known tush tag error variant where Pinchers is humorously named “Punchers the Lobster.” If you happen to stumble upon this mislabeled crustacean, it might fetch a slightly higher price.
The highest recent legitimate sale price we could confirm for Pinchers in February 2025 was $25.89. Interestingly, this price is roughly half of his peak value from the previous year, indicating a potential market softening. This particular high-selling Pinchers was a Beanie Baby Official Club release from 2005, adding a 20-year vintage element to its appeal. While vintage might suggest higher value, the broader market for Pinchers indicates average sales prices ranging from just $5 to $12.
Alt text: Pinchers the Lobster Beanie Baby, an original nine collectible, showcasing its red color and poem tag.
!”
Alt text: Inky the Octopus Beanie Baby, a gray plush toy with large eyes and tentacles, accompanied by its tag poem.
23. Inky the Octopus
Highest Recent Sale Price: $49.99 (Pink Version) (11/1/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50 (Pink Version)
Debuting in 1994, Inky the Octopus boasts a surprising number of variations. Initially released in gray, with the earliest version lacking black stitching for the mouth, Inky later appeared in a pink version. The pink Inky tends to command the highest prices on the secondary market, likely due to its more visually appealing color compared to the somewhat drab gray versions.
In early 2025, the pink version of Inky achieved the highest recent sale price at $50 on eBay. This particular sale was from a reputable seller and featured a rare production error – this Inky had only 7 tentacles instead of the standard 8, likely contributing to its premium price. However, for most Inky the Octopus Beanies, typical sale prices range from $1 to $12.
22. Iggy the Iguana
Highest Recent Sale Price: $29.95 (Pastel Version) (1/20/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.25 (Tie-Dyed Version)
Iggy the Iguana actually comes in four distinct variations: pastel, neon, blue, and tie-dyed. The pastel and neon versions are characterized by having a tongue, while the blue and tie-dyed versions are tongue-less. Due to their similar color palettes and reptile nature, the tie-dyed Iggy was often confused with Rainbow the Chameleon. This confusion sometimes led to factory errors where Iggy Beanies were mistakenly given Rainbow hang tags.
Despite these tag mix-ups, this error is not considered rare and does not enhance the value of either Iggy or Rainbow, despite some sellers attempting to mislead buyers. As of early 2025, the highest legitimate sale price for Iggy the Iguana we could find was $29.95. Interestingly, this is a notable increase from previous years, and almost $10 higher than his peak value last year, suggesting a potential modest appreciation in Iggy’s market.
“
Alt text: Iggy the Iguana Beanie Baby, a green reptile toy with a relaxed pose, showcasing its poem tag and sunny disposition.
Alt text: Valentino the Bear Beanie Baby, a red heart-themed plush, emphasizing love and cuddles with its tag poem.
21. Valentino the Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $124.50 (12/7/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50
Valentino the Bear is another Beanie Baby surrounded by considerable misinformation regarding its value. At the time of writing, some deceptive eBay listings are falsely advertising this Valentine’s Day-themed bear for over $2,000! It’s important to debunk this myth: Valentino the Bear is generally worth significantly less.
However, there are exceptions. One particular Valentino recently sold for $124.50 just before Christmas. Outside of this outlier sale, Valentino the Bear typically sells for under $15. So, while a rare, pristine example might fetch a higher price, don’t expect to strike gold with a standard Valentino from your collection.
20. Mystic the Unicorn
Highest Recent Sale Price: $19.99 (Iridescent Horn) (1/5/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50
Mystic the Unicorn was released in four different versions between 1994 and 1999, making it a relatively long-running Beanie Baby. The original 1994 edition Mystic, distinguished by its tan horn and fine mane, is considered the rarest and generally commands a higher price than the subsequent three versions.
However, in early 2025, collectors appear to be holding onto their original Mystic unicorns, as verifiable sales data is scarce. The highest recent sale we could identify was for a Mystic with an iridescent horn and yarn mane, which sold for $20. This is just a quarter of the highest sale price recorded for Mystic in the previous year, potentially indicating a fluctuating market for this magical creature.
Alt text: Mystic the Unicorn Beanie Baby, a white mythical creature with a blue eye and horn, accompanied by its enchanting poem tag.
“
Alt text: Hippity, Hoppity, and Floppity Beanie Babies, a trio of pastel-colored bunnies, showcasing their collective charm and poems.
19. Hippity, Hoppity & Floppity
Highest Recent Sale Price: $49.95 (All Three Buns + Extra) (2/9/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: Hippity – $0.50, Hoppity – $0.50, Floppity – $0.50
Hippity, Hoppity, and Floppity form a charming trio of bunny Beanie Babies, each with soft, pastel fur and a coordinating bow. Sets of Beanie Babies were relatively uncommon, making this bunny trio somewhat unique. While individual bunnies from the set are not particularly valuable on their own, the complete trio is what collectors seek.
The highest recent sale price we found was for a listing that included not only Hippity, Hoppity, and Floppity, but also a fourth bunny, “Hippie,” adding extra value to this bunny quartet. This set sold for $49.95, highlighting the appeal of complete or expanded sets to collectors.
18. Snort the Red Bull
Highest Recent Sale Price: $10 (1/5/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50
Snort the Red Bull had a slightly controversial start. Originally named “Tabasco,” Ty Inc. changed the name to “Snort” to avoid potential copyright issues with the famous hot sauce brand. Both the Tabasco and Snort versions are relatively common and inexpensive, typically selling in the $9-$10 range. This price point appears to be the upper limit in early 2025.
Interestingly, the larger Beanie Buddy version of Snort seems to be performing slightly better in the current market. We observed one Beanie Buddy Snort selling for $20, double the value of its smaller Beanie Baby counterpart. This suggests that size variations or Beanie Buddy versions might be an area to explore for slightly higher values in certain cases.
Alt text: Snort the Red Bull Beanie Baby, a red bull plush toy, showcasing its tag poem and sporty aspirations.
Alt text: Bubbles the Fish Beanie Baby, a blue and yellow fish plush, featuring its poem tag about swimming and companionship.
17. Bubbles the Fish
Highest Recent Sale Price: $24.89 (11/26/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $2.00
Bubbles the Fish, released in 1996, quickly swam into the hearts of Beanie Baby enthusiasts. Over time, Bubbles has consistently gained popularity, reflected in Sell2BBNovelties’ relatively higher buy price for this fish compared to many other common Beanie Babies. Their valuation is four times higher than what they offer for many standard Beanies.
Bubbles underwent a few design updates over the years, and some of these variations are associated with tush tag errors. While these errors can be interesting talking points for sellers and collectors, they don’t typically translate into a significant increase in value. The highest recent sale price for Bubbles we found was just under $25, indicating a steady but not dramatically high market value.
16. Halo the Angel Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $112.50 (11/29/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50
Halo the Angel Bear holds the distinction of being one of the first special edition Beanie Babies. Adorned with a halo and wings, Halo was designed to represent a child’s guardian angel. While some online listings depict Halo with gold wings, this variation doesn’t seem to significantly impact its market value.
The highest recent sale price we found for Halo the Angel Bear was $112.50. Interestingly, this particular Beanie was preserved in a plastic display cube, suggesting that careful preservation and presentation can contribute to a higher perceived value. While Halo can fetch a decent price compared to very common Beanies, it’s not among the truly high-value collectibles.
Alt text: Halo the Angel Bear Beanie Baby, a white bear with wings and a halo, symbolizing protection and love with its tag poem.
Alt text: Patti the Platypus Beanie Baby, a purple platypus plush toy, known for its talkative nature in its tag poem.
15. Patti the Platypus
Highest Recent Sale Price: $100 (1/25/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50 (Standard Version), $20 (Magenta Version)
Patti the Platypus is another member of the Original 9 Beanie Babies. While most versions of Patti are not particularly rare, the magenta Patti Platypus, especially in mint condition with tags, can be surprisingly valuable.
The magenta Patti is the earliest version of this platypus, and its distinct color makes it more desirable to collectors. Later versions of Patti were produced in a darker purple hue and in much larger quantities, making them less valuable. The highest recent sale we found was for a Raspberry Patti (a variation of magenta) without a hang tag, which still fetched $100. This demonstrates the strong collector interest in Patti, particularly in her earlier, rarer color variations.
14. Gobbles the Turkey
Highest Recent Sale Price: $19.99 (12/7/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50 (9-Inch Version), $0.50 (5.5-Inch Version)
Gobbles the Turkey made his debut in 1997 and exists in several variations. Some Gobbles have a single-layer felt waddle, while others have a double-layer waddle. Additionally, the length of Gobbles’ tail feathers varies between versions.
The highest legitimate sale price we could confirm for Gobbles was $19.99. We did encounter one listing claiming a sale of $2,000 for Gobbles, but this is highly likely to be either a case of a misplaced decimal point or an outright scam. It’s crucial to be discerning and rely on verifiable sales data when assessing Beanie Baby values.
Alt text: Gobbles the Turkey Beanie Baby, a brown turkey plush toy, humorously avoiding Thanksgiving in its tag poem.
Alt text: Claude the Crab Beanie Baby, a tie-dye crab plush, dreaming of artistry by the sea in its tag poem.
13. Claude the Crab
Highest Recent Sale Price: $499.99 (Kings/Lakers Giveaway 1999)(11/23/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50
Released in 1997, Claude the Crab is known for a variety of swing tag “errors.” Versions of Claude have been found with names like “Inky,” “Snowball,” and “Weenie” printed on their tags. In Canadian versions, Claude’s name is sometimes entirely capitalized.
While these name variations are interesting quirks, they don’t significantly increase Claude’s value. Because Claude is tie-dyed, his value primarily depends on the specific color mix and overall condition.
However, we did uncover a remarkable anomaly: a Claude the Crab that sold for an impressive $499.99 in a legitimate eBay sale from a reputable seller. This particular Claude was a giveaway item at a basketball game (Kings/Lakers Giveaway 1999), making it a unique piece of sports memorabilia in addition to being a collectible Beanie Baby. This highlights how provenance and unique circumstances can dramatically impact value.
12. Princess the Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $174.89 (12/22/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $50.00 (PVC/Indonesia), $10.00 (PVC/China), $2.00 (PE/China)
Princess the Bear is perhaps the most controversial Beanie Baby when it comes to perceived rarity and value. The Princess Diana Bear has been falsely touted as being worth upwards of $500,000 by online scammers. In reality, its actual value is far lower.
Introduced in 1997 following the death of Princess Diana, this bear was sold at a slightly higher price point than other Beanies, with a portion of the profits donated to Princess Diana’s Memorial Fund. Despite its commemorative nature, millions of Princess Bears were produced, making standard versions quite common and worth less than $50. However, specific variations, such as PVC pellet versions made in Indonesia, are valued higher by Sell2BBNovelties, who offer $50 for mint condition examples. Other variations fetch considerably less.
We did find an unusual sale of a Princess the Bear for $174.89 on eBay, but this is not representative of the typical market value. It’s crucial to be aware of the hype and understand that most Princess Bears are not highly valuable.
Alt text: Princess the Bear Beanie Baby, a purple bear commemorating Princess Diana, with a poignant poem on its tag.
Alt text: Peace the Bear Beanie Baby, a tie-dye bear symbolizing peace, with a tag poem promoting unity and harmony.
11. Peace the Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $240 (12/29/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50 (Standard Version), $0.25 (Blue Version), $8.00 (2010 Version)
Peace the Bear arrived in 1997, spreading a message of tranquility until its retirement in 1999. Its vibrant tie-dyed design makes Peace a popular choice among collectors. There’s some confusion surrounding different versions of Peace. There are “emblem” and “no emblem” versions, with the emblem version featuring the peace symbol. However, the “no emblem” version is actually a different Beanie Baby altogether, named Garcia.
Adding to the complexity, there are three distinct versions of the standard-size Peace the Bear. Surprisingly, according to Sell2BBNovelties, the most recent 2010 edition of Peace is valued higher than the older versions.
On eBay, both older and newer editions of Peace typically sell in the $30 to $50+ range. However, we found a recent sale that reached $240, a significant jump in value compared to last year’s prices. This suggests a potential resurgence in demand for Peace the Bear, or perhaps simply an exceptional example in pristine condition.
10. Peanut the Elephant
Highest Recent Sale Price: $700 (Royal Blue Version) (12/22/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $0.50 (Light Blue Version), $600 (Royal Blue Version)
If you own Peanut the Elephant in the “right” shade of blue, you could be holding a significantly valuable Beanie Baby.
The royal blue Peanut the Elephant was introduced in 1995 but was quickly retired because the dark blue color was actually a production error. This makes the original royal blue Peanut much rarer than the light blue version that followed. If you have an original dark blue Peanut, you’re in luck!
The recent sale price we found for a royal blue Peanut was an impressive $700! This is even higher than Sell2BBNovelties.com’s valuation of $600, which is a rare occurrence. The royal blue Peanut Elephant is a prime example of how a production error can transform a common item into a highly sought-after collectible.
Alt text: Peanut the Elephant Beanie Baby, a blue elephant plush, known for its quiet and friendly nature in its tag poem.
Alt text: Humphrey the Camel Beanie Baby, a brown camel plush, dreaming of less sandy locales in its tag poem.
9. Humphrey the Camel
Highest Recent Sale Price: $349.95 (12/13/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $150
Humphrey the Camel is a true OG, belonging to the Original 9 Beanie Babies released in 1994. Unfortunately for Humphrey, he was discontinued in 1998 with a limited production run of only 25,000.
If you received Humphrey as a gift before 1998, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. Legitimate sales of Humphrey the Camel often start around $80, and the highest recent sale we found reached nearly $350, making Humphrey a surprisingly valuable member of the original Beanie Baby lineup.
8. Hong Kong Bear (Hong Kong Toy Fair Exclusive)
Highest Recent Sale Price: No Verifiable Sales
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $150 (2010-2013 Versions), $250 (Pink 2017 Version)
Not all valuable Beanie Babies are relics of the 90s. Some of the rarest and most expensive Beanies are actually much more recent!
The Hong Kong Bear is a series of exclusive Beanie Babies produced annually for the Hong Kong Toy Fair. Due to their limited production runs and exclusive point of distribution at the Toy Fair, Hong Kong Bears are highly coveted by serious Beanie Baby collectors.
The exact production numbers for Hong Kong Bears are unknown, adding to their mystique and collectibility. Currently, Sell2BBNovelties is offering $150 for several mint-condition Hong Kong Bears from the 2010-2013 releases and $250 for the Pink 2017 version.
While we couldn’t find any recent verified sales of Hong Kong Bears, there are several active listings online with asking prices ranging from $1,400 to $3,000. Whether these listings will result in sales at these prices remains to be seen, but the high asking prices reflect the perceived rarity and desirability of these exclusive bears.
“
Alt text: Hong Kong Bear Beanie Baby, an exclusive toy fair bear, with a tag poem thanking attendees of a special event.
Alt text: Nana the Monkey Beanie Baby, a brown monkey plush, notable for its short production run and lack of a poem on early tags.
7. Nana the Monkey
Highest Recent Sale Price: $5.00 (11/28/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $250
Nana the Monkey had a brief production run, only being available for a single year in 1995. This short lifespan makes Nana relatively difficult to find. Nana was later replaced by Bongo the Monkey. If you happen to have an original Nana in your collection, it could be a valuable find.
Sell2BBNovelties.com considers a mint-condition Nana the Monkey to be among the most valuable Beanie Babies they purchase, offering a significant $250.
However, recent eBay sales tell a different story. Despite Sell2BBNovelties’ valuation, recent sales of Nana on eBay have been surprisingly low, with the highest recent sale we found barely reaching $5. This discrepancy highlights the sometimes-unpredictable nature of the Beanie Baby market and the importance of considering multiple data points when assessing value.
6. Brownie the Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $1,399.95 (1/31/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $300
This first-generation Beanie Baby is a prime example of how a production error can dramatically increase value. The name “Brownie” was actually a typo, and this Beanie was only in production for a short period before being reintroduced with the corrected name, Cubbie.
Aside from the name on the tag, Brownie and Cubbie are identical. However, this seemingly minor name difference makes original first-generation Brownie bears highly sought after by serious collectors, commanding a premium price. Consider this recent eBay sale: a graded and professionally preserved Brownie bear fetched an impressive $1,399.95. This is significantly higher than Sell2BBNovelties’ already substantial offer of $300 for a mint-condition Brownie, showcasing the potential value of error Beanies in top condition.
Alt text: Brownie the Bear Beanie Baby, a brown bear plush, valuable due to its name error and first-generation status, lacking a poem on early tags.
Alt text: Billionaire the Bear Beanie Baby, an employee exclusive bear, with a boastful poem celebrating Ty Inc.’s market dominance.
5. Billionaire the Bear (Ty Employee Exclusive)
Highest Recent Sale Price: $604.89 (Billionaire Bear #3 Signed by Ty Warner) (12/9/24)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $600 (Billionaire Bear #2)
Billionaire the Bear is a series of exclusive Beanie Babies given to Ty employees annually at the company picnic. These bears are produced in extremely limited quantities, typically 500 or less, making them exceptionally rare and valuable Beanie Babies.
While selling a Billionaire Bear won’t make you an actual billionaire, they are still quite valuable to dedicated collectors. Current eBay listings often ask around $2,000 for a Billionaire Bear. Sell2BBNovelties considers Billionaire Bear #2 to be the most valuable in the series, offering $600 for it. The highest recent sale we found was for a Billionaire Bear #3 that sold for $604.89. This particular sale included Ty Warner’s autograph on the hang tag, likely contributing to the slightly higher price.
Due to their rarity and high value, counterfeit Billionaire 2 Beanie Bears are prevalent. This video from Beanie Babies Price Guide provides excellent guidance on how to distinguish an authentic Billionaire 2 Beanie Baby from a fake.
4. Coral Casino the Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $2,950 (Graded by Becky’s True Blue Beans) (1/27/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $1,000
Coral Casino the Bear, with its stunning coral pink color, is one of the most unique and highly desirable Beanie Babies. This bear was originally given as an exclusive dinner party gift to members of the Coral Casino Beach Club in December 2001.
Only 588 Coral Casino Bears were ever produced, and each one’s swing tag is personally signed by Ty Warner, making this Beanie exceptionally rare and valuable.
So, what’s a Coral Casino Bear actually worth? This video from Earth Titan in 2017 reported a sale at $760, while BBToyStore’s video from 2020 valued it between $1,800 and $2,500.
Despite a recent eBay sale reaching $2,950 for a graded Coral Casino Bear, Sell2BBNovelties, a consistent authority in the Beanie Baby market, still values Coral Casino the Bear at $1,000. The recent high sale price suggests the market may be appreciating for exceptionally well-preserved and authenticated examples.
Alt text: Coral Casino the Bear Beanie Baby, a rare coral pink bear, gifted exclusively at a beach club, with a romantic poem on its tag.
Alt text: Number 1 Bear Beanie Baby, an employee appreciation bear, celebrating Ty Inc.’s sales success with a boastful poem and signature.
3. #1 Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $175 (2/10/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $1,500
Another exclusive gift for Ty employees, #1 Bear was given only to TY sales representatives in December 1999. Only 253 were produced, and each one was hand-numbered and signed by Ty Warner himself.
Created at the height of the Beanie Baby craze, #1 Bear’s poem reflects the sense of triumph and market dominance Ty Inc. felt at the time.
What is this super rare Beanie Baby worth? Sell2BBNovelties offers $1,500 for a mint-condition #1 Bear. However, Beaniepedia’s #1 Bear article claims past sales as high as $7,500.
The only verifiable recent sale we found was surprisingly low at $175. However, the listing itself suggests it may be a fake or a knockoff. Aside from this outlier, we’ve seen active listings with asking prices as high as $9,000, indicating the potential high value for authentic examples. Owners of #1 Bear are likely holding onto them tightly, recognizing their rarity and potential future appreciation.
2. Chef Robuchon the Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: No Verifiable Sales
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: $3,000
Created as part of a promotional partnership with L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York City, Chef Robuchon the Bear is incredibly elusive today. Only 200 are believed to have been distributed, potentially making it the rarest Beanie Baby of all time.
However, most owners seem to be keeping their Chef Robuchon Bears tucked away, as we couldn’t find any recent sales data. This video from BBToyStore valued this cuddly chef at a staggering $2,000 back in 2020, and Sell2BBNovelties currently values it even higher at $3,000.
As of late February 2025, there is an active listing for a verified Chef Robuchon Bear from a reputable seller with an asking price of – brace yourself – $35,000. Whether a collector will pay the price of a decent car for this Beanie remains to be seen, but it underscores the extreme rarity and potential value of Chef Robuchon.
Alt text: Chef Robuchon the Bear Beanie Baby, an ultra-rare chef-themed bear, created for a restaurant promotion, with a tag poem about the love of food.
Alt text: Employee the Bear Beanie Baby, a highly elusive employee gift bear, shrouded in mystery with no poem on its tag.
1. Employee the Bear
Highest Recent Sale Price: $550 (1/6/25)
Sell2BBNovelties.com Price: (Undisclosed – Contact for Quote)
Ty, Inc. gifted Employee the Bear exclusively to employees and sales representatives on the Odyssey cruise ship in 1997. A mere 300 were produced, with half featuring a red ribbon and half a green ribbon.
Due to the extremely limited production, Employee the Bear is considered exceptionally rare. Owners are understandably holding onto these treasures. As of writing, we have no verifiable recent sales data beyond a single sale at $550, and Sell2BBNovelties doesn’t even publicly list a price, requiring collectors to contact them directly for a quote, indicating its extreme rarity and potentially very high value.
However, there is currently an eBay listing offering both the red and green ribbon versions of Employee the Bear as a bundle for $6,999. Whether this price reflects the true market value or is simply an ambitious asking price is uncertain, but it gives a sense of the potential high end of the market for this ultimate Beanie Baby grail item.
Selling Your Beanie Babies in 2025: Cashing in on Your Collection
Do you suspect you might own one of the Original 9 Beanie Babies, a coveted Employee the Bear, or another rare gem from your collection? Ready to turn your plush toys into cash?
After carefully evaluating your Beanie Babies and determining if you have potentially valuable items, historically, Facebook Marketplace and eBay have been the go-to platforms for selling Beanie Babies, and this remains true in 2025. For particularly rare and high-value Beanies, it’s wise to consider professional authentication to build buyer confidence.
Peggy Gallagher Enterprises pioneered Beanie Baby Authentication and has examined over 150,000 Beanie Babies. They offer a service where your Beanie is placed in a sealed acrylic display case with a certificate of authenticity, providing verifiable proof of its genuineness and condition, which can significantly increase buyer trust and allow you to command a higher price. Becky’s True Blue Beans is another reputable option for Beanie Baby grading and preservation. Investing in authentication and grading can be a worthwhile step when selling high-value collectibles.
Before photographing your Beanies for sale listings, give them a gentle cleaning to enhance their appeal. Our guide on cleaning Beanie Babies offers helpful tips for refreshing your plush toys without damaging them.
The Real Worth of Beanie Babies: It’s All About Supply and Demand
Ultimately, like any item on the secondary market, Beanie Babies are worth exactly what someone is willing to pay. For passionate collectors and those driven by nostalgia, a museum-quality Royal Blue Peanut or a pristine Peace the Bear can justify a price tag that might seem exorbitant to the average person. While the market is niche, dedicated demand exists. The key is connecting with the right buyers who appreciate the rarity and condition of your specific Beanie Babies.
Condition is paramount in the collectible market. Even a rare Pinchers Lobster with an original heart-shaped hang tag will lose significant value if it has stains, odors, or damage. Proper storage and care are crucial for preserving the value of Beanie Babies. Remember those childhood warnings to keep your Beanies clean and in good condition? They actually mattered!
Since the release of the Netflix documentary “Beanie Mania” in late 2021, there has been a noticeable resurgence of interest in Beanie Babies, with prices generally trending upwards since 2022. The sale prices of some Beanies in early 2025 suggest that the Beanie Baby secondary market is not just a fleeting fad, but a persistent area of collector interest.
Buying Beanie Babies: Tips for Savvy Collectors
Are Beanie Babies still in production? The answer is both yes and no. Ty Inc. ceased production of the original classic Beanie Babies in 1999 (though they introduced larger “Beanie Buddies” in 1998).
However, in 2000, responding to continued customer demand, Ty “rebooted” the franchise with a new Beanie Baby named “The Beginning.” In 2008, they launched Beanie Babies 2.0, which included a code for an interactive online website (now defunct). Beanie Babies 2.0 also had a limited lifespan.
Today, the Ty website primarily features “Beanie Boos,” characterized by their large plastic eyes and bright colors. Beanie Boos appear to be Ty’s modern iteration of Beanie Babies, appealing to contemporary children. However, the intense collector craze surrounding Beanie Boos is not comparable to the original Beanie Baby phenomenon.
If you’re seeking vintage Beanie Babies for your collection, it’s not as simple as a quick search on major online retailers. eBay remains the primary marketplace for collectors seeking rare Beanies. Regardless of your chosen platform, it’s essential to be an informed buyer.
Just because a Beanie Baby is listed at a certain price on eBay doesn’t automatically mean it’s worth that amount. Focus on “sold” listings to gauge actual market value. The “sold price” reflects what buyers are actually paying, not just what sellers are asking. Unscrupulous sellers sometimes create fake listings with inflated prices and use dummy accounts to “purchase” them, attempting to create a false impression of high market value.
Don’t fall victim to these pricing scams.
Here’s how to research sold listings and identify potentially fake listings on eBay to become a smarter Beanie Baby buyer:
How to Find Sold Listings on eBay:
- Enter the Beanie Baby’s name or keywords into the eBay search bar.
- Click “Search.”
- On the search results page, filter your results on the left sidebar and select “Sold Listings.” This will display items that have actually sold, along with their final prices, going back as far as eBay’s search history allows.
- Sort the sold listings by price, date, or other relevant criteria to analyze market trends.
How to Spot Potentially Fake eBay Sold Listings:
- Check Listing Accessibility: After clicking on a “sold” listing, is the sale page still viewable? Scammers often delete fake listings quickly to avoid detection.
- Seller Reputation: Examine the seller’s feedback score and number of reviews. A higher number of positive reviews generally indicates a more trustworthy seller. Be cautious of sellers with fewer than 20 reviews.
- Auction Bidding Activity: For auction-style listings, check the number of bids. Be wary of listings with only a single bidder, especially if the final price seems unusually high.
- Relisted Items and Stock Photos: Be suspicious of items that have been relisted repeatedly or if multiple listings use identical stock photos. These are often red flags for questionable listings.
- Trust Your Gut: If a listing or price seems too good to be true, or if something feels “off,” trust your instincts. Excessively high prices, even with seemingly similar listings, can be part of a manipulation tactic.
Beware of Beanie Baby Scams and Counterfeits
Protect yourself from fake Beanies! Counterfeit Beanie Babies began appearing in the mid-90s as the toy’s popularity exploded. Fortunately, spotting a fake is often relatively straightforward. Examine the Beanie’s eyes. If the plastic eyes are an unusual shape or size compared to authentic Beanies, it’s a strong indication of a counterfeit. Also, check the tush tag. On genuine Beanie Baby tush tags, the name is printed in red. Many fakes use orange ink for the name.
Perhaps it’s time to revisit your old toy chest and re-examine your Beanie Baby collection with a fresh, informed perspective!
There were two distinct types of Beanie Baby owners in the 90s: those who meticulously preserved their Beanies in pristine condition and those who loved and played with them. Back then, we didn’t fully grasp that Nana the Monkey and Humphrey the Camel might one day be worth a significant sum.
While the peak of Beanie Baby mania and rampant speculation is likely a uniquely 90s phenomenon, some of the Beanie Babies in your collection could still hold surprising value in 2025. With careful research and a discerning eye, you might just uncover a hidden treasure within your plush menagerie.
For more nostalgic dives into Beanie Babies, action figures, and all things 90s toys, be sure to follow Rediscover 90s Toys on Instagram, Pinterest, and our other social media channels!
[
Mike Alexander](https://www.90stoys.com/author/mike-alexander/)
Mike Alexander is a passionate video game aficionado, a dedicated chronicler of 90s culture, and an avid collector of all things nostalgic. Growing up in the mid-90s, he experienced the best of the decade firsthand, from Power Rangers to Pokémon to Bagel Bites (and the list goes on!). Despite the years that have passed, he still enthusiastically embraces many of those 90s icons today. When he’s not writing or gaming, he’s likely pondering why Warriors of Virtue didn’t achieve the same cultural phenomenon status as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
