Scorpion Toy Appraisal

Stinger the Scorpion Beanie Baby

This item is a 'Stinger' the Scorpion Beanie Baby, an iconic plush toy from 'The Beanie Babies Collection' by Ty Inc. It is crafted from a soft, velvety plush fabric in a muted, earthy brown or taupe color, characteristic of many early Beanie Babies. The scorpion features a segmented body, with a defined head section and a distinctly curved tail that mimics a scorpion's sting, though this one appears quite gentle. Eight legs are attached to the body, typical for a scorpion's anatomy, giving the plush a recognizable arachnid form. The eyes are small, black, and made of plastic, securely embedded into the head. The overall construction appears soft-stuffed, indicating the presence of plastic pellets (beans) that give Beanie Babies their distinctive floppy feel. Two heart-shaped tags are prominently visible. One is the 'swing tag' or 'hang tag,' which is a double-sided, folded tag displaying 'The Beanie Babies Collection' logo, copyright information, and manufacturing details including 'Ty Inc.', 'Oakbrook, IL U.S.A.', printed in China, and a style number. The other tag, usually attached simultaneously, identifies the specific Beanie Baby as 'Stinger' and includes its birth date, along with a short, whimsical poem or description relevant to the character. The tags appear crisp and uncreased, suggesting good preservation and indicating that the item is likely in excellent, possibly near-mint, condition from a collector's perspective. No visible signs of wear, tear, staining, or repairs are apparent on the plush itself or its tags, which is crucial for collectible value. These features suggest an item manufactured in the mid-to-late 1990s, the height of the Beanie Baby craze, making its estimated age around 25-30 years.