We have held off reviewing this incredible prototype because it is, indeed, very special. It seems fitting to review this guy as our first blog post of 2024. The #1 Sales Rep Bear has been well documented on this site and on just about every major beanie outlet. A production example (limited to 253) still takes thousands to secure. To get your hands on a prototype example is a different ballgame entirely. This stunning example was the first known Ty #1 Rep bear prototype to surface and to be graded – and has the earliest Pax date of any recorded #1 rep bear proto. The bear is quite literally split down the middle, torn between white and the production red fabric. With red and white ribbons, and complete pax tags this masterpiece is also signed by Ty Warner. Its april 1998 pax dates also places this piece a bit more than 6 months ahead of its production release in December of 1998. This was the prototype that ignited this author’s passion and fascination around elite Beanie Baby styles. More back story – this piece was brought to market by the infamous Pacman Beanies (we will leave it at that). But the bear originated from the very highest levels of Ty Inc.
Rarity Rank: -1. If a -2 rank is ever created, we would give it here. All the regular boxes checked – incredible departure for one of the most elite styles in the hobby, all pax tags, etc etc. But when you see this teddy, it just SCREAMS, PROTOTYPE. You see it and know exactly what it is, and how magnificent a prototype he is. The grading comments speak for themselves – the bear blew Becky of True Blue Beans completely out of the water. This piece currently resides in one of the finest collections in the hobby. Sneak peek below with some of his shelf buddies, who are also quite impressive.
Rarest Beans 