Author Archives: rarestbeans

An original Chilly the polar bear in LIGHT BLUE! This is a full color departure for one of the most coveted 1st generation styles! There are so many incredible tidbits to this piece. First, 1992 pax tags – puts this in the earliest wave for this style. Next, the piece is completely light blue –Continue reading “Chilly LIGHT BLUE Prototype Polar Bear!”

Down came the rain and washed the spider…in ORANGE! This piece is an incredible treat to see. A FULLY completed solid color alternate for the original 1st generation Web the spider!!! Complete with 1992 pax dates. Web is one of the most beloved 1st generation pieces. To see a true prototype for this piece inContinue reading “Web the Spider SOLID ORANGE Prototype! (and younger brother)”

Drum Roll!!! Here he is! This is THE Picasso Bear. One of the most famous prototypes in the entire hobby. The color on this bear is unmatched and is utterly unique – not like any other tie-dyed piece. “Multi-Paint” as Becky described. This bear also came out of the proto gate 2004-2005 wave. The pieceContinue reading “The PICASSO Teddy Bear Prototype!!!”

Check out this YELLOW LUCKY!! An original 1st generation felt dot Lucky the ladybug in solid quackers yellow! A full color departure. This lady is pretty famous in beanie land. One of the most noted and documented Tyriffic Store Prototypes. See pictures below of this actual piece in multiple store displays. Rarity Rank: .75 LuckyContinue reading “Lucky YELLOW Prototype Tyriffic Ladybug Felt Spots”

This piece is a bit of a self indulgence. This piece first came to pass in the 2004/2005 release of a number of prototype sales that ushered in “proto gate”. The piece, after it sold, went completely MIA until just this past year. It came with a bundle of other fully alternate colored vintage prototypesContinue reading “Tabasco Tie-Dyed Bull PROTOTYPE”

Here is the FAMOUS YELLOW NANA prototype. Our last post outlined the Tyriffic Green and Yellow Nana. This Nana’s story, rarity, appeal, Tyriffic status, are all the same. This piece had a more interesting detour. Faith, Ty Warner’s ex fiancée (a primary source who helped Ty launch the beanie line, and was responsible for movingContinue reading “NANA the monkey Prototype: TYRIFFIC Yellow and Brown”

Holy Bananas, it’s a NANA prototype! Nana is famous for being one of the most challenging production beanies to track down because so few made it to market with her original name (Nana) before Ty changed this to “Bongo”. The very earliest release came with the name “Nana” without any sort of covering. But mostContinue reading “NANA the monkey Prototype: TYRIFFIC Green and Yellow!”

There is no greater prize or joy in the beanie hobby than to see a true “Original 9” prototype (technically, Brownie was one of the original two beanies with Patti). This Brownie is a full alternate – complete with taupe colored coat, cream snout, and the signature brown nose (hence, Brownie; Chilly, Peking, Blackie, allContinue reading “BROWNIE the bear Prototype: Taupe. Original 9”

Visions of PINK? The previous post hinted that with Ty’s love of symmetry, we might expect to see a red variety for this piece. And sure enough, here is that example. This piece is just as brilliant and insane as its blue counterpart! Pink body, red trim, red menu, fully polished alternate. The piece hasContinue reading “Chef Joel Robuchon Ty Beanie Baby Teddy Prototype PINK”

Now isn’t this just insane? The production Chef Robuchon Bear is easily one of the most coveted and valuable beanie babies in the entire hobby. It even surpasses most elite prototypes. But Ty does like symmetry. If you take a look at the production Chef bear’s Chef Jacket, the tricolor collar comes in red, white,Continue reading “Chef Joel Robuchon Ty Beanie Baby Teddy Prototype Light Blue”