Graduation Cap Beanie Baby Appraisal

Ty Beanie Baby Wise Owl with Graduation Cap (Errors Variant)

This item is a collectible plush toy, specifically identified as the Ty Beanie Baby character "Wise" the owl, adorned with a graduation cap. The owl stands approximately 6 to 7 inches tall, crafted from soft polyester fiber materials. Its physical appearance features a white plush belly and face, contrasting with the mottled grey and white patterned plush used for its back, wings, and head, effectively mimicking owl plumage. Distinctive large, dark brown plastic bead eyes give the owl a captivating gaze, complemented by a small, soft black fabric beak and discreet black fabric feet. A key distinguishing characteristic is the black square graduation cap, made of a felt-like material and securely stitched to the owl's head. An orange yarn tassel hangs from the right side of the cap. The front band of the cap is embroidered with gold-colored text that reads "CLASS 07 '99." The overall condition of the plush toy appears excellent with no visible signs of wear, tears, stains, or damage, suggesting it has been well-preserved. A red and white heart-shaped Ty swing tag is partially visible on its right side, indicating its originality and likely attachment. This particular Beanie Baby is claimed to possess "5 errors" as per the provided context. While only the unusual "CLASS 07 '99" embroidery on the cap is visually verifiable as a potential error or variant (as graduation caps typically bear a single year), other unconfirmed errors would commonly pertain to variations in the attached swing tag's poem, date, spelling, or the type of internal fill pellets (e.g., PVC vs. PE). These manufacturing anomalies are highly prized by collectors, significantly enhancing the item's rarity and value beyond a standard production piece. The craftsmanship is consistent with Ty Inc.'s quality standards for Beanie Babies, known for their durable stitching and soft, tactile materials. It originates from the late 1990s to early 2000s, reflecting the peak era of Beanie Baby collecting.