The $1000 Black Cat: 7 Shocking Facts About Jack The Black Cat Squishmallow's Extreme Rarity

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The Jack The Black Cat Squishmallow is not just a plush toy; it is the undisputed king of Squishmallow rarity, a collector's Holy Grail whose value has skyrocketed past $1,000 in the current market. This iconic feline, first released in 2020, holds a unique place in the brand's history, being the 500th character ever made, and its extreme scarcity is what fuels the feverish demand from collectors worldwide as of December 19, 2025. Understanding the story of Jack is to understand the peak of Squishmallow collecting, blending a simple, adorable design with a near-mythical limited production run. This article will dive deep into the seven most shocking facts about Jack the Black Cat, from his exclusive release as a Select Series debut to the distinguishing features that separate a priceless original from later, less-rare variations. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer trying to grasp the phenomenon, the story of Jack—the strong, silent type—is essential knowledge for anyone in the Squishmallow community.

Jack The Black Cat: Biography & Key Profile Details

Jack the Black Cat is a pivotal character in the Squishmallows universe, representing a major milestone for the brand. His simple, all-black design and exclusive tag make him instantly recognizable and highly coveted.
  • Full Name: Jack the Black Cat
  • First Release Date: 2020
  • Character Number: 500th Squishmallow Character
  • Exclusive Series: Select Series (Series 1 Debut)
  • Initial Production Quantity: Only 500 units worldwide
  • Rarity Tier: Considered 'Special Edition' or 'Select Series' (Highest Tier)
  • Distinguishing Feature: Golden embroidered '500' tag on his left ear
  • Standard Size: 12 inches
  • Bio/Personality: "Jack is the strong silent type, but he's always there when you need him."
  • Current Market Value (2025): Can exceed $1,000 for a New With Tags (NWT) original.

7 Shocking Facts That Make Jack The Black Cat The Rarest Squishmallow

Jack’s legendary status is built on a series of calculated and accidental factors that cemented his place as the most valuable Squishmallow. His scarcity is unmatched, and these facts explain why collectors are willing to pay a premium for this particular black cat.

1. He Was The Official 500th Character with a Golden Tag

The most significant factor driving Jack’s value is his official status as the 500th Squishmallow character ever produced. To commemorate this milestone, the *original* 500 units released in 2020 were manufactured with a unique, golden embroidered '500' tag stitched onto his left ear. This golden tag is the ultimate proof of authenticity and rarity, making any Jack without it significantly less valuable to high-end collectors.

2. The Initial Run Was Limited to a Mere 500 Units

For a brand that has now produced over 1,000 characters, a production run of only 500 units is astoundingly small. This initial release was part of the very first Select Series, which debuted Jack. The limited nature of this drop meant they sold out almost instantaneously. This minuscule population is why Jack the Black Cat is often referred to as the "king of the rare Squishmallows" and is a permanent fixture on any "rarest Squishmallows" list, alongside other highly sought-after pieces like Golden Hans Squishmallow and JSK the Cat.

3. Jack Debuted The Exclusive "Select Series" Line

Jack was the debut character for the all-new "Select Series" line in 2020. The Select Series is a special tier of Squishmallows, historically limited to no more than 10,000 units per character, and sold exclusively through the official Squishmallows.com website. Jack's initial 500-unit run was even more restrictive than the standard Select Series limit, placing him in an elite category of scarcity. This series is recognized as the third-highest tier on the official Squishmallows Rarity Scale, signifying its premium collector status.

4. His Resale Value Has Soared Past $1,000 in 2025

The extreme scarcity of the original 500 units has led to astronomical resale prices. While the original retail price for the 12-inch plush was around $30, the value quickly climbed. By 2023, prices had already reached $1,000 or more, and as of late 2025, a New With Tags (NWT) original Jack the Black Cat with the golden tag remains one of the most expensive and sought-after Squishmallows in the secondary market. This dramatic price increase makes him a true investment piece for serious collectors.

5. The Second Run Did Not Dilute the Original’s Value

Due to the overwhelming demand after the initial 500 units sold out, Squishmallows did produce a second run of Jack the Black Cat. However, this second release did not include the crucial golden embroidered '500' tag. The absence of this commemorative feature ensures that the original 500 pieces maintain their elite, ultra-rare status and multi-thousand-dollar value. Collectors are meticulously focused on acquiring the *first edition* with the golden ear tag.

6. Jack Is Distinct From Other Popular Black Cat Squishmallows

Jack stands out from a large family of other beloved black cat Squishmallows, which are generally much easier to find and purchase. His simple, unadorned design (closed white eyes, white whiskers, and a pale nose) is a classic contrast to other popular felines. Other notable black cat entities include Autumn the Black Cat (often part of the Halloween Squad), Zelina the Sugar Skull Cat, and Caeli the Cat. The distinction in release method, exclusivity, and the golden tag is what sets Jack apart as the ultimate collectible.

7. He Is a Prime Target for Counterfeits and Scams

Because of Jack’s legendary status and high market value, he is one of the most frequently counterfeited Squishmallows. Unscrupulous sellers often attempt to pass off the second-run version or even completely fake plush toys as the original limited-edition piece. Collectors must be extremely vigilant, always verifying the presence of the golden '500' embroidered tag, the black matte Select Series hangtag, and the overall quality to ensure they are acquiring a legitimate, high-value item.

The Collector's Pursuit: Topical Authority and Related Entities

The pursuit of Jack the Black Cat highlights the depth of the Squishmallow collecting hobby, which goes far beyond casual toy ownership. It involves understanding the brand's history, the official Rarity Scale, and the nuances of limited-edition releases.

Understanding the Squishmallow Rarity Scale

Jack’s Select Series designation places him in the highest tier of collectibility. Other rarity tiers exist, such as the Special Edition (often retailer exclusives or convention drops) and the Holy Grail level (like the original Jack or the 500-unit JSK the Cat). Understanding this scale is crucial for any collector looking to invest in high-value pieces like Blossom the Lamb, Fania the Owl, or Mariah the Lamb.

Other Highly Sought-After Rare Squishmallows

Jack is often discussed in the same breath as other mythically rare Squishmallows. These figures underscore the market for limited-run plush toys:
  • JSK the Cat: Another feline rarity with an extremely limited initial release.
  • Avery the Mallard Duck: A highly popular and often rare duck character.
  • Gertrude the Goose: Known for its scarcity and high demand.
  • Chanel the Cinnamon Roll: A unique food-themed Squishmallow that is notoriously hard to find.
The enduring legacy of Jack the Black Cat is a testament to the power of scarcity and nostalgia. His story serves as a thrilling reminder that sometimes, the simplest design, coupled with an ultra-limited release, can create a collecting phenomenon worth thousands of dollars. For those hoping to add this strong, silent black cat to their collection, prepare for a long and expensive hunt for the coveted golden tag.
The $1000 Black Cat: 7 Shocking Facts About Jack The Black Cat Squishmallow's Extreme Rarity
jack the black cat squishmallow
jack the black cat squishmallow

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