as a gag gift when I finished an internship in college-- "Righty" the elephant. I considered giving it to a niece as a toy, but ended up putting it in a drawer and forgetting about it for a couple of years. In the spring of '98 I discovered eBay, and eventually found out that Beanie Babies had become a thing and prices had gone crazy. I ended up finding out about a local Beanie Baby convention, and went looking to get $150 for it ("street" price was about $300 at the time, but they would go for about half that on eBay). I ended up selling it for $250 to the first person I showed it to, who couldn't shovel the money out fast enough.

I went to Vegas that same spring with my parents, and used the proceeds to buy my first set of Poker Chips at the Paulson store (and like many buyers at the time, was told by the employees that I was buying genuine movie props; ah the lessons we learn).

The wood case with removable tray was my college graduation present, that my parents purchased for me at the same time .

Looking on eBay now, I can get a MWMT (mint with mint tags) Righty for about $8, including free shipping. My only investment success!

Brent J. Jensen
R-8007
orbis non sufficit