Back in the 90s, this was easily a $300+ Beanie Baby in the USA. You just couldn’t get it. Literally.
Britannia holds a unique status as a Ty Europe exclusive, garnering attention for its distinctive attributes and unavailability in USA retail stores.
eBay was very new and international shipping was still very expensive, complex, and annoying. These were among the most rare “current” beanies in the late 90s.
| Birthday | 12/15/97 |
| Intro Date | 12/31/97 |
| Retired Date | 07/26/99 |
Poem:
Britannia the bear will sail the sea
So she can be with you and me
She’s always sure to catch the tide
And wear the Union Jack with pride
How Much Is My Brittania Beanie Baby Worth?
If this was 1999, it would be worth a lot. $200-300+ was the going price depending on condition and your total costs including shipping.
Now, unfortunately it holds no collectible / resale value and is a common generation 4/5. It was mass produced during the peak Beanie Baby years of 1997-1999.
Sewn On Union Jack Flag Variation
In May of 1998, a notable variant of Britannia emerged featuring a sewn-on Union Jack flag, sparking speculation about its rarity. Rumors circulated, suggesting that only a fraction of an experimental batch, rumored to be 150 out of 500, made it to market. Additionally, there are debates surrounding the authenticity of these patch-bearing Britannias, with some asserting that they may be counterfeits. However, the truth remains elusive, residing solely within Ty’s knowledge.
The Patch Britannia, purportedly originating from Indonesia, shares qualities akin to counterfeit Beanie Babies, raising concerns about its authenticity. Often noted for its diminished size, lessened fullness, and overall appearance of inferior quality, the Patch Britannia stands as a testament to the challenges of discerning genuine from counterfeit amidst the Beanie Baby collecting community.
Pictures / Nostalgia
