Author Archives: rarestbeans

This is it! The Ty Executive Billionaire Teddy set! This is the second of two known “complete” full departure top caliber Billionaire prototype sets. We reviewed Mr. Warner’s set in the previous post. Link to that set is here: https://rarestbeans.com/2024/12/24/billionaire-prototype-set-the-ty-warner-set/ To be sure, outside of both sets, there are a few top tier Billionaire prototypesContinue reading “Billionaire Prototype Set: Ty Executive Set”

Once upon a time a senior Ty executive brought in a set of 15 unbelievable Billionaire Bears to True Blue Beans. Pictured below as an insane group. These pieces we were told were a special set created specifically by Mr. Warner. It is unclear why he let this set go – but it is suspectedContinue reading “Billionaire Prototype Set: The Ty Warner Set”

This is the 3rd and final famous Teddy in the bear triumvirate also containing Picasso and the Dollar teddy – both famous pieces reviewed in previous articles: https://rarestbeans.com/2022/12/08/the-dollar-teddy-bear-prototype/ and https://rarestbeans.com/2021/12/09/the-picasso-teddy-bear-prototype/ . These bears came to light in an extraordinary find/pull of pieces by one of the very reputable dealers selling prototypes during the 2003/2004 proto-gateContinue reading “THE Shaggy Teddy Bear Prototype”

The final known set of original 9 prototypes, here in living color! This set has come to be known as the “Design set” – it has many similarities to the original 9 “Faith” set just recently reviewed. Less overlap with the third “Executive” set we reviewed individually. And some pieces that are just absolutely WILDContinue reading “Original 9 Prototype Set: Design Set”

These two bears are extraordinary. While our site hasn’t delved too deeply into the Billionaire prototypes that exist, we wanted to do a 2-in-1 post about two very special Billionaire prototype examples. A couple of examples per Billionaire were created specifically as a set as special gifts for Ty Executives. Others were the true originContinue reading “Billionaire 1 and 2 Original Prototypes: Solid white and green!”

This is an original 9 prototype for the original Spot no spot the dog. He has chocolate brown Cubbie/Brownie shaded fabric for his ears, eye patch, and tail! This piece is complete with pax tags, and has an extremely early June 1992 pax date – there are very few prototypes with dates this early. ThisContinue reading “Spot the dog BROWN and WHITE Ty Prototype: Original 9 – Design Set”

We debated how to share this set – as individual pieces, or as a group. In context with other sets, vs. on it’s own. Here we have what has become known as the “Faith Set” of original 9 prototypes. Let’s take a step back. Faith McGowan, a figure we have brought up in articles past,Continue reading “Original 9 Tyriffic Prototype Set of 9: The Faith Set”

Thought the original 9 treats might be over eh? Feast your eyes on the most magnificent original 9 prototype subset in existence. There is so much with this absolutely breathtaking set. First and foremost, these are not prototypes for Sammy – a similar looking completely tie-dyed lie-down bear released Jan. 1st, 1999. No – thisContinue reading “Brownie Tie-Dyed Ty Prototype Set: Original 9”

This is the final original 9 prototype from an elite set assembled by a senior Ty Executive. This is a WILD departure for the original 9 Squealer the Pig! This guy is tie-dyed with royal blue extremities. This is one of our top 5 pieces in all of the hobby. All pax tags – earlyContinue reading “Squealer the pig Tie-Dyed and ROYAL BLUE Ty Prototype: Original 9”

This is an INSANE tie-dyed and orange SPOT the dog, no spot, original 9 prototype beanie. Another of those “COME ON” pieces – have to see him to believe it. All pax tags, 1992 pax dates, with orange fabric we saw for Chocolate the moose’s antlers. This piece’s tie-dyed fabric has mostly green and redsContinue reading “Spot the dog TIE-DYED and ORANGE Ty Prototype: Original 9”