Beanie Baby Errors: Ty Beanie Babies Explained

Welcome to the fascinating world of Ty Beanie Babies. These adorable stuffed animals have captured the hearts of millions worldwide, but they are more than just cute toys. For collectors, they represent a unique investment opportunity, with some rare Beanie Babies fetching thousands of dollars at auction. But what makes a Beanie Baby valuable? One factor is errors. Yes, you heard it right. Errors on Beanie Babies can significantly increase their value. In this glossary, we will delve deep into the world of Beanie Baby errors, explaining what they are, how they occur, and why they can make your Beanie Baby worth a fortune.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that not all errors increase the value of a Beanie Baby. Some errors are common and don’t significantly affect the toy’s worth. However, certain rare errors can make a Beanie Baby highly sought after by collectors. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie just starting your Beanie Baby journey, this glossary will provide you with the knowledge you need to identify valuable Beanie Baby errors. Let’s get started!

Understanding Beanie Baby Tags

The first step to identifying Beanie Baby errors is understanding Beanie Baby tags. Each Beanie Baby comes with two tags: a swing tag (also known as a heart tag) attached to the Beanie Baby’s ear, and a tush tag located on its bottom. These tags contain vital information about the Beanie Baby, including its name, birth date, and poem. Errors can occur on either of these tags, and it’s these errors that collectors are often on the lookout for.

It’s worth noting that the design and information on Beanie Baby tags have changed over the years. Ty, the company that manufactures Beanie Babies, has released different generations of tags, each with its unique design. Knowing the difference between these generations can be crucial in identifying errors and determining a Beanie Baby’s value. So, let’s take a closer look at the different generations of Beanie Baby tags.

Swing Tags

Swing tags are the heart-shaped tags attached to a Beanie Baby’s ear. They are one of the first things a collector looks at when assessing a Beanie Baby. The front of the tag features the Ty logo and the Beanie Baby’s name, while the inside contains a poem, the Beanie Baby’s birth date, and a short message from Ty Warner, the founder of Ty Inc. The back of the tag usually has copyright information and a barcode.

There have been 15 generations of swing tags so far, each with its unique design and features. The first generation swing tag, for example, was a simple design with the Ty logo on the front and the Beanie Baby’s name and style number on the back. Later generations added more information, such as the Beanie Baby’s poem and birth date. Understanding these differences is crucial in identifying errors and determining a Beanie Baby’s value.

Tush Tags

Tush tags are the small fabric tags located on a Beanie Baby’s bottom. They contain information such as the Beanie Baby’s name, style number, and manufacturing details. Like swing tags, tush tags have gone through several generations, each with its unique design and features.

The first generation tush tag, for example, was a simple white tag with black text. Later generations added more colors and details, such as the Ty logo and copyright information. Some tush tags also contain a holographic sticker, which can increase a Beanie Baby’s value if it’s in good condition. As with swing tags, understanding the different generations of tush tags is crucial in identifying errors and determining a Beanie Baby’s value.

Common Beanie Baby Errors

Now that we understand Beanie Baby tags, let’s take a look at some common Beanie Baby errors. These are errors that occur frequently and don’t significantly affect a Beanie Baby’s value. However, they can still be interesting to collectors, especially those who enjoy hunting for errors.

One common error is misspelled words on the tags. This can include the Beanie Baby’s name, the poem, or other text. Another common error is incorrect birth dates. For example, a Beanie Baby might have a birth date that doesn’t match the one listed in official Ty literature. Other common errors include incorrect style numbers, missing information, and printing errors such as smudged ink or misaligned text.

Misspelled Words

Misspelled words are one of the most common Beanie Baby errors. These can occur on either the swing tag or the tush tag, and they can involve any text on the tag. Some of the most famous misspelled words include “origiinal” instead of “original” and “suface” instead of “surface”. While these errors are common, they can still be interesting to collectors, especially if they involve a Beanie Baby’s name or poem.

It’s worth noting that not all misspelled words are errors. Some are intentional, such as the use of “beanie” instead of “Beanie” on some tags. These are known as variations, and they can also be of interest to collectors. However, they don’t usually increase a Beanie Baby’s value like true errors do.

Incorrect Birth Dates

Another common Beanie Baby error is incorrect birth dates. This can occur when the birth date listed on the tag doesn’t match the one listed in official Ty literature. For example, a Beanie Baby might have a birth date of January 1, 1998, on its tag, but the official Ty website lists its birth date as January 1, 1999. This discrepancy can be due to a printing error or a change in the Beanie Baby’s birth date after it was released.

Like misspelled words, incorrect birth dates can be interesting to collectors, especially if they involve a rare or popular Beanie Baby. However, they don’t usually increase a Beanie Baby’s value like true errors do. It’s also worth noting that not all discrepancies in birth dates are errors. Some are intentional, such as the use of different birth dates for different versions of the same Beanie Baby. These are known as variations, and they can also be of interest to collectors.

Rare Beanie Baby Errors

While common errors are interesting, it’s the rare errors that can significantly increase a Beanie Baby’s value. These are errors that occur infrequently and are highly sought after by collectors. Some of the most famous rare errors include PVC pellets instead of PE pellets, incorrect or missing swing tags, and double tush tags.

It’s worth noting that not all rare errors increase a Beanie Baby’s value. Some are considered flaws, such as stains or damage to the tags. These can actually decrease a Beanie Baby’s value, as collectors prefer Beanie Babies in mint condition. However, certain rare errors, such as those mentioned above, can make a Beanie Baby highly valuable. Let’s take a closer look at these errors.

PVC Pellets Instead of PE Pellets

One of the most famous rare Beanie Baby errors is the use of PVC pellets instead of PE pellets. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pellets were used in the early Beanie Babies, but Ty switched to PE (polyethylene) pellets in 1998 due to environmental concerns. However, some Beanie Babies were accidentally filled with PVC pellets after the switch, creating a rare error that is highly sought after by collectors.

The easiest way to identify this error is by checking the tush tag. Beanie Babies with PVC pellets will have “PVC Pellets” printed on their tush tag, while those with PE pellets will have “PE Pellets”. However, it’s worth noting that not all Beanie Babies with PVC pellets are errors. Only those that were supposed to be filled with PE pellets but were accidentally filled with PVC pellets are considered errors. These Beanie Babies can fetch a high price on the collector’s market, especially if they are in mint condition.

Incorrect or Missing Swing Tags

Another rare Beanie Baby error is incorrect or missing swing tags. This can occur when a Beanie Baby is accidentally given the wrong swing tag or no swing tag at all. For example, a Beanie Baby might have a swing tag for a different Beanie Baby, or it might have a swing tag from a different generation. These errors are highly sought after by collectors, as they are unique and interesting.

It’s worth noting that not all incorrect or missing swing tags are errors. Some are intentional, such as the use of different swing tags for different versions of the same Beanie Baby. These are known as variations, and they can also be of interest to collectors. However, true errors, such as those mentioned above, can significantly increase a Beanie Baby’s value, especially if they are in mint condition.

Double Tush Tags

One of the most intriguing rare Beanie Baby errors is double tush tags. This occurs when a Beanie Baby is accidentally given two tush tags instead of one. This error is highly sought after by collectors, as it is unique and interesting. Beanie Babies with double tush tags can fetch a high price on the collector’s market, especially if they are in mint condition.

It’s worth noting that not all double tush tags are errors. Some are intentional, such as the use of different tush tags for different versions of the same Beanie Baby. These are known as variations, and they can also be of interest to collectors. However, true errors, such as those mentioned above, can significantly increase a Beanie Baby’s value.

Conclusion

Beanie Baby errors are a fascinating aspect of Beanie Baby collecting. They add a layer of intrigue and excitement to the hobby, as collectors hunt for these rare treasures. Whether it’s a common error like a misspelled word or a rare error like PVC pellets instead of PE pellets, Beanie Baby errors are a testament to the complex and ever-changing world of Beanie Baby collecting.

So, next time you’re browsing through a collection of Beanie Babies, take a moment to examine the tags. You never know, you might just find a rare error that could make your Beanie Baby worth a fortune. Happy collecting!

Now that you’re versed in the unique allure of Beanie Baby errors and their potential value, why not start or expand your own collection? At MyBeanieBabies.com, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best selection of Beanie Babies, Beanie Boos, and Beanie Buddies. Whether you’re searching for that rare error piece or simply want to bring the joy of these timeless toys to a child’s life, we have something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to own a piece of Beanie Baby history or to give the gift of cherished childhood memories. Check out our plush shop now and find the perfect Beanie Baby today!