Since some of the most coveted and valuable Barbies can go for thousands of dollars at auction, it's important to understand vintage Barbie doll values if you're considering buying or selling old Barbies. Learn about the clues that can help you identify a potentially collectible Barbie and how you can tell whether it makes sense to get her professionally appraised. Armed with the right information, you can have a better indication of what a classic Barbie might be worth. Show
She's From the 1950s or 1960sAccording to Invaluable, the earliest Barbie dolls, which were made through the late 1960s, are among the most collectible Barbies. From the time of Barbie's debut in 1959, she has been beloved for her beauty and style. A mint condition Barbie from this era can be worth around $25,000 to collectors, so she's a valuable doll. Here are a few clues to help you tell if your classic Barbies are from this era:
People sometimes refer to these vintage favorites as antique Barbie dolls; however this term isn't actually correct - generally, something's only antique if it's at least 100 years old, and only those produced before 1930 are considered antique dolls. Since Barbies began being produced in 1959, she doesn't qualify as an antique yet. She's Still in the BoxBecause the vast majority of vintage Barbies have been played with, Considerable reports that collectors love a rare Barbie that's still in the box. In-box Barbies are in mint condition with all their accessories and the original packaging intact. Because this is so uncommon, these coveted dolls fetch top dollar. She's in Great Shape for Her AgeIn 2019, Barbie turned 60. Some vintage examples, however, haven't fared so well. It's common to see Barbies that were well-loved but maybe not so well cared for. It's important to identify their condition since even the most valuable Barbie dolls' worth will increase and decrease according to how well-maintained she is. If you have one in excellent condition, she'll have these features, and be worth more money than her well-loved sisters:
She's One of the Rare OnesAccording to Reader's Digest, some collectible Barbie dolls are especially rare. These models are hard to find, so if you have one of these exclusive Barbies, she may be worth a lot of money:
Barbie Collector's Price Guide Per DecadeSince the mid-20th century, Mattel's Barbie and her group of friends have captivated young and old fashionistas alike. Keeping her relevant to match the ever-changing culture, Mattel has released hundreds of different dolls over the course of the past 63 years, but not everything in a given collection of Barbies is a collectible doll worth more than their childhood sentimental value. As is the case for many vintage toys, from beanie babies to Funko Pops, there are many factors impacting their value. When it comes to America's favorite mass-produced dolls, a Barbie collector price guide by decade can give you some value indicators before you have your specific doll appraised for her worth. Take a look at some of the most popular Barbies across five decades, and see just how valuable Barbie dolls really are today. Popular Barbie Doll Values: 1960sSince Barbie first debuted in 1959, it's easiest to lump the initial versions of the doll with the 1960s as that's when the mold for the quintessential Barbie really started to take shape. Among these Barbies, a few stand-outs include the original Barbie, the many different colored ponytail Barbies, the 'swirl' Barbie, Twist 'n Turn Barbie, and 'flip hair' Barbie. Boxed Barbie dolls from this period, complete with their accessories, are highly collectible and frequently sell for a few hundred dollars at market. Examples of Barbie doll prices from this time period include the following:
Popular Barbie Doll Values: 1970sBy the 1970s, Barbie had transitioned from her prim and proper wardrobe into one that was much more relaxed. Letting her hair down proverbially and literally, Barbies of the '70s were more diverse than the decade prior, embodying a sense of freedom and experimentation that came with the times. For instance, the iconic Sunset Malibu Barbie debuted in 1971, and her long blonde hair and bright swimsuit would be emulated for many years to come.
Popular Barbie Doll Values: 1980sIn the 1980s, Mattel began branching out with their Barbie line, introducing the first of the inaugural "Happy Holidays" Barbie series and a pop culture spin-off in its "Rockers" line-up. Barbies from this period still evoke a certain nostalgia among collectors, and specific, rarer dolls can fetch in the low hundreds at auction. However, the many mass-marketed Barbies from the totally tubular decade will only sell for about $20-$50 at auction in the best conditions.
Popular Barbie Doll Values: 1990sBy the 1990s, Mattel had turned Barbie into a well-oiled machine. There were new dolls being released practically by the week, and each one had its own delightful schtick. Brightly colored and heavily accessorized, Barbies made in the 1990s - while beloved by Millennials, aren't that valuable to collectors and tend to fetch lower prices. These dolls tend to be really easy to find (even boxed and unopened), and they were mass-produced enough that there isn't any real scarcity with them. Thus, you can expect to find these dolls selling for anywhere between $10-$30 each.
Popular Barbie Doll Values: 2000sBy the millennium, Barbies were becoming a toy of the past, eclipsed by the growing number of tech toys listed in Christmas catalogs across the world. Although dolls from the 2000s aren't considered all that collectible, there are a few particular dolls that can be worth selling at auction, such as:
Most Valuable Vintage Barbie DollsSome Barbie dolls are incredibly valuable. Now, which Barbie dolls are worth money comes down to a myriad of factors, but if you're lucky enough to have one of the models in the Barbie collector price guide below in your collection, you could be holding a fashionable fortune:
What if You Think Your Barbie Is Valuable?If you think you might have a valuable Barbie, consider having her professionally appraised. Knowing how to tell if a Barbie doll is worth money can be a challenge for a non-expert. Sometimes, you can find free local appraisals in your area or even online, but more commonly, you'll need to pay a fee. Choose someone with good credentials and experience with appraising vintage toys so you can trust the information you receive to determine if she's actually a Barbie doll worth money and a valuable collectible, or if she'll fetch just an average price and is much less sought-after. Barbies Have Both Sentimental and Monetary ValueLike many collectible dolls, Barbie sometimes has more sentimental value than monetary value. If your doll was played with and loved, she may be worth more to you as a memento of childhood than as an investment. Either way, it's fun to learn more about what makes collectible Barbies valuable and exciting, and how much your favorite Barbies and Barbie products from childhood are worth today. © 2022 LoveToKnow Media. All rights reserved. What year Barbies are worth money?Vintage Barbie dolls on the market from 1959 to the late 1960s are especially prized among collectors. Often, these Barbies had bendable legs or red hair, and they are considered some of the most rare and valuable. Today, the price of a mint condition Barbie from this era can run close to $25,000.
Which Barbies are worth a lot of money?Pink Splendor Barbie (Tie) With her phenomenal pink gown, this stylish doll was a limited edition released in 1996. Only 10,000 were manufactured worldwide. The most expensive Barbie ever sold in stores, she originally had an asking price of about $900 retail, but you'll find one on eBay for about $500 now.
Are Barbie dolls from the 90s worth anything?Yes! Collectible Barbie dolls are some of the most valuable 90s toys. But not all barbies from the 90s are worth a pretty penny. One of the most expensive Barbies of all time is the 'Pink Splendor Barbie' from 1996.
Are Barbie dolls from 1966 worth anything?They are very rare and can sell between $500 and $1,000 if in mint condition. The second answer is more complicated: Mattel had the Twist N Turn waist for the Barbie doll patented in 1966, and that design of waist/body was used for dolls sold between 1967 and 1999.
|