Buzz
In the 1990s, children who collected Beanie Babies and kept their tags intact were told they’d strike it rich someday. However, most of these Ty toys haven’t appreciated much since the peak of Beanie mania. Still, don’t be too quick to toss them out—some could be hidden treasures.
Although rare, certain Beanie Babies, such as Princess the Bear and the first nine releases, can still fetch a hefty sum on eBay. Check out the list of the most valuable collectibles to keep an eye out for.
Contents
1. Princess the Bear // Estimated Value: Up to $25,000
The purple Princess Diana bear Beanie Baby became an instant classic after Ty introduced it in 1997. This special edition was created to support The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund after Princess Diana’s passing, and it remains one of the most sought-after vintage Beanie Babies on eBay.
These bears have fetched prices as high as $25,000 on eBay, though their worth fluctuates based on the materials used. Most Princess Beanie Babies from the 1990s contain polyethylene (PE) pellets, which hold little value today. However, the rare versions filled with polyvinylchloride (PVC) pellets are considered far more valuable.
2. Patti the Platypus // Estimated Value: Up to $12,000
If you were an early Beanie Babies collector, you might want to search for Patti the Platypus, a highly prized collector’s item. This vibrant fuchsia toy has sold for approximately $12,000 in several eBay auctions, securing its place as one of the most valuable Beanie Babies. As one of the original nine released in 1993, it holds historical significance and is named after Patricia Roche, who later led Ty Europe.
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3. Valentino the Bear // Estimated Value: Up to $10,000
Prepare to be charmed. | Lawrence G. Miller, Flickr // CC by NC 2.0Valentino the Bear ranks among the most prized Beanie Babies. Owning a rare variant with manufacturing errors could mean holding onto a treasure worth thousands. Valentino Beanie Babies featuring unique flaws—such as a brown nose instead of black, a white star on the tag instead of yellow, PVC pellets, or multiple tag typos—can fetch up to $10,000 on eBay.
4. Snort the Red Bull // Estimated Value: Up to $5000
The name speaks for itself. | gabohalili via Flickr // CC BY 2.0In 1997, Ty discreetly rebranded their red bull from Tabasco to Snort to sidestep copyright issues. Today, mint-condition versions of this Beanie bull can command prices around $5000 in online auctions.
5. Pinchers the Lobster // Estimated Value: Up to $5000
Pinchers, like Patti the Platypus, was part of the original nine Beanie Babies launched in 1993. A flawless version can be worth thousands, with some selling for as much as $5000 on eBay. If you stumble upon one in your attic, inspect the tag carefully. Initially, the vibrant red lobster was mislabeled as “Punchers,” a mistake that was swiftly corrected, making those with the error highly sought after.
6. Peace the Bear // Estimated Value: Up to $5000
Each Peace the Bear is unique. | Lawrence G. Miller, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0The Peace the Bear Beanie Baby stands out for several reasons: it was the first to feature an embroidered emblem, had numerous tag variations throughout its production, and its tie-dye design ensured each bear was one-of-a-kind. Peace bears with rare attributes can fetch up to $5000 on eBay.
7. Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant // Estimated Value: Up to $5000
Peanut the baby-blue elephant played a pivotal role in propelling the brand to fame, though it wasn’t the original version. Initially royal blue, Peanut’s poor sales prompted Ty to switch to a lighter shade, which became a massive hit. Today, the royal-blue Peanut is a rare gem, with some selling for $4000 to $5000 on eBay.
8. Quackers the Duck // Estimated Value: Up to $1800
Quackers’s most notable variation is easy to spot. The first edition of this yellow duck, released in 1994, lacked wings. After a quick redesign, the wingless version became a rarity, with collectors bidding up to $1800 for a wingless Quackers.
9. Chilly the Polar Bear // Estimated Value: Up to $1650
Chilly the Polar Bear debuted in 1994 and was retired within two years. Produced with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Ty tags, its scarcity makes it highly coveted. Bears in mint condition with smooth, white fur can sell for up to $1650 on eBay. Be cautious of Chillies with rough or yellowish fur, as they might be counterfeit.
10. Iggy the Iguana // Estimated Value: Up to $1600
Iggy the Iguana underwent numerous design changes during its production, adding to its appeal for Beanie Baby enthusiasts. Some Iggys feature a protruding tongue, while others don’t; some are neon rainbow-colored, while others are dark blue; some have tags on the foot, and others on the spine. These variations make Iggy a collector’s favorite, with certain versions selling for $1600.
