This piece may not actually count as its own novel piece, but it is an absolute legend among the most elite collecting circles. The #1 rep bear was given out to 253 reps at their holiday party back in 1998. It quickly became the most coveted piece, with an example fetching $5,000-$10,000. The lower the number out of 253, the more coveted the piece. It was always rumored that ty kept the #1 example in a series (billionaires, rep bear, coral casino, etc). While we can’t officially confirm or deny this, a few #1 pieces have made it out into the hobby. One such example was in fact the #1 #1 rep bear (#1 of 253). Below please find pictures of this bear and the story of how it came to reach the collecting community. Technically, the piece was owned by Ty’s family. There is something so absolutely intoxicating about this piece. It represents the pinnacle of the beanie baby phenomenon.
Rarity Tier: UNIQUE Rare
There is only one #1 #1 bear. Other single digit examples did surface over the years, and absolutely command a premium (as does any low double digit rep bear). But this particular piece is in a league all its own. A piece like this to most collectors is priceless.
Rarest Beans 