Barbie dolls have been a popular toy for young girls since they were first introduced by Mattel in 1959. Over the decades, Barbie has evolved with the times and spawned a huge collecting community. For many, collecting Barbie dolls is a beloved hobby that brings back childhood memories. But is it really worth investing time and money into accumulating Barbies?
The history and cultural impact of Barbie
Barbie was launched at the American Toy Fair in New York City in 1959. She was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, who was inspired by watching her daughter play with paper dolls. Handler wanted to create an adult-bodied doll that would allow girls to imagine their future through role-playing. The first Barbie doll wore a black and white striped swimsuit and had blond hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was marketed as a “Teenage Fashion Model” doll.
The doll was named after Handler’s daughter Barbara. She was designed by Jack Ryan, an engineer at Mattel. The inspiration for Barbie’s body proportions came from a German doll called Bild Lilli. Barbie’s vital statistics have been estimated at 5’9″ tall, with a 36″ bust, 18″ waist, and 33″ hips. Her unrealistic body proportions have frequently been criticized but are intended to keep clothes properly in place.
Barbie sparked controversy from the beginning, with some parents and feminists concerned that she promoted an unrealistic image for young girls. But she quickly became a pop culture icon, appearing on the cover of Life magazine and numerous fashion magazines. Over the decades, Barbie has reflected changing fashions and cultural shifts while maintaining her classic style.
Since her debut, Barbie has been given new hair colors, skin tones, facial features, and bodies to be more progressive and appeal to diverse children. She has taken on more than 200 careers from astronaut to zoologist, again intended to expand girls’ ideas of what they can achieve. More than 100 inspirational women have been honored with their own Barbie dolls, including artists, athletes, scientists, and world leaders.
The different types of Barbie dolls
There are several main categories of Barbie dolls that collectors tend to focus on:
- Vintage Barbie (1959 to 1972) – The original Barbie dolls made from 1959, when she first debuted, up until a redesign in 1972 are considered the vintage era. These have a nostalgic appeal and include the rare #1 Barbie in a black and white swimsuit.
- Mod Era/Swingin’ Sixties Barbie (1963 to 1973) – Barbies that reflect the bold, colorful styles of the 1960s with minidresses, go-go boots, and psychedelic patterns.
- Malibu Barbie (1971 to 1977) – With her suntanned skin and vibrant, trendy fashion, Malibu Barbie embodied the California beach lifestyle of the early 1970s.
- Superstar Barbie (1977 to 1979) – Inspired by the disco music craze, Superstar Barbie has an exciting rockstar or movie star career.
- Pink Jubilee Barbie (1986) – Celebrating 27 years of Barbie, this doll was clad in pink and limited to 50,000 units.
- Hollywood Legends Collection (2000s) – These Barbie dolls pay tribute to Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and other iconic actresses.
Beyond those main doll lines, collectors may focus on celebrity Barbies, designer Barbies in haute couture fashions, Barbie’s friends and family dolls like Ken and Skipper, or Barbie playsets like the Dreamhouse. Limited edition and special anniversary dolls are also popular with serious Barbie fans.
The pros of collecting Barbie dolls
Here are some of the main benefits and advantages of Barbie doll collecting as a hobby:
- Nostalgia – For many adults, collecting Barbies allows them to revisit the beloved toy of their childhood and bring back fond memories.
- Affordability – While rare Barbies can cost thousands, common dolls can be found very cheaply, making Barbie a fun, accessible collectible.
- Community – Barbie has very dedicated fans who enjoy connecting with fellow collectors, attending conventions, and sharing their collections.
- Variety – With thousands of different Barbies made over the decades, from solo dolls to playsets and accessories, there’s great diversity for collectors to pursue.
- Investment Potential – Rare and vintage Barbies in mint condition have been known to appreciate in value and sell for high prices at auction.
- Customization – Creative collectors can repaint and restyle Barbie dolls into unique custom creations.
Additionally, collecting Barbies can be seen as a safe, engaging hobby that provides relaxation, mental stimulation, and joy in owning and displaying a collection. As Barbie has historical and cultural significance, collecting keeps this iconic toy’s legacy alive.
The cons of collecting Barbie dolls
On the other hand, there are some downsides and risks associated with becoming a Barbie doll collector:
- Cost – Building an extensive Barbie collection requires a significant financial investment that not everyone can afford.
- Storage – Dolls and accessories need ample display space that can take up substantial room in a home.
- Damage – Older Barbies are fragile, so collectors must carefully maintain and protect their investment.
- Value changes – The secondary market for collectible Barbies fluctuates, so the monetary value of a collection may decrease.
- Fakes – Forgeries and counterfeit Barbies threaten to devalue authentic collections.
- Time commitment – Tracking down rare Barbies at auctions or flea markets and displaying a collection takes considerable time.
Critics of collecting also contend it can become an obsessive habit that leads to accumulating more Barbies than one has space to reasonably display or enjoy. At its extreme, Barbie collecting could cross into hoarding territory.
What is the current market for vintage Barbie dolls?
Vintage and antique Barbie dolls from the early years of 1959 to 1967 are the most sought-after by serious collectors. Here are some notable auction sales:
- A mint condition #1 Barbie from 1959 sold for $27,450 in 2006.
- In 2004, a vintage 1959 Barbie brought in $8500.
- In 2009, a signed 1966 Barbie sold for $3,900.
- A vintage 1960s Barbie with original box went for $2,500 in 2013.
For the most part, Barbie dolls lose value once they are removed from the original packaging. But there are exceptions, like a 1959 Barbie that sold for nearly $3,000 without a box in 2016.
Beyond the very rare, earliest Barbies, prices for vintage dolls in excellent condition typically range from $40 up to $250 for the 1960s era. Later Barbies from the 1970s and 80s tend to max out around $100 unless there is something special about them. While not every old Barbie will gain value, the early ones have proven to appreciate nicely over time.
What should you look for in a collectible Barbie doll?
For those interested in Barbie doll collecting, here are the key factors that impact value and desirability:
- Era – As covered, the earliest vintage Barbies from the 1960s, especially 1959-1967 are most prized.
- Condition – Mint, near mint, or excellent condition increases the worth exponentially.
- Original Box – Complete with plastic casing and all accessories boosts collectibility.
- Special versions – Rare versions, like a blonde instead of brunette, unique markings, limited editions, or prototypes.
- Appearance – No stains, markings, missing limbs, faded hair, etc.
- Outfits – Original clothes in great shape, the more complete the better.
Doing research is key so collectors understand the backstories and nuances behind different Barbie editions. And comprehensive documentation and certification of authenticity enhance the value.
What are the rarest and most expensive Barbie dolls?
Here is a look at some of the holy grail Barbies that have sold for astronomical prices at auction:
- De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie – $85,000
- Stefani Canturi Barbie – $302,500
- Original 1959 Barbie – Up to $27,450
- Original 1960s Bubble Cut Barbies – Up to $23,000
- 1962 Barbie in original box – $17,625
- 1959 Zebra Striped Swimsuit Barbie – $15,000
- Marie Antoinette Barbie – $12,840
As you can see, the rarest Barbies approach six figure price tags. But only those in absolute pristine condition with all accessories and paperwork receive these astronomical sums. Nonetheless, the most dedicated collectors dream of one day owning one of these ultra-rare Barbies as the crown jewel of their collection.
What is the average price for a Barbie doll?
| Era | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Vintage 1959-1967 | $50 – $250 |
| Mod/Swingin’ Sixties Era 1968-1973 | $20 – $100 |
| Malibu Era 1971-1977 | $15 – $60 |
| Superstar Era 1977-1979 | $10 – $40 |
| 1980s-1990s | $5 – $20 |
| Modern Barbies 2000-present | $10 – $50 |
As shown, the average price varies greatly depending on the specific era a Barbie doll came from, with the vintage Barbies from the 60s fetching higher prices. Condition is also a major factor – dolls with damage or in poor shape skew toward the lower end of the spectrum. Near mint and mint condition Barbies meeting collectors’ standards command top dollar.
What are some tips for starting a Barbie collection?
From selecting your focus to display methods, here are some tips for getting started with Barbie doll collecting:
- Pick a theme – Vintage, celebrity dolls, specific character, etc. A focus provides direction for your collection.
- Make space – Make sure you have adequate shelves, cabinets or glass cases to display your Barbies before acquiring them.
- Research prices – Study the market so you can identify good deals and avoid overpaying.
- Be patient – It takes time to find rare, higher-value Barbies at reasonable costs.
- Mint is best – Seek dolls in mint or near mint condition whenever possible to maximize value.
- Accessories matter – Original outfits, boxes, doll stands, certificates boost worth.
- Protect from light – Use curtains or display cases so the sun doesn’t damage and fade dolls.
Additionally, connect with other collectors to gain knowledge and trade tips. Setting a realistic budget is also crucial. And focus on quality over quantity – a smaller collection of exquisite, prized Barbies is better than a large number of mediocre dolls.
Is Barbie collecting ultimately worthwhile?
In the end, collecting Barbies or anything comes down to your personal interests and motivations. If you have a genuine passion for Barbie and get joy from surrounding yourself with different dolls and displaying your collection, then it can absolutely be a fulfilling hobby. The community aspect, nostalgia factor, creative expression, and investment potential are also perks.
But if the primary drivers are making money or impressing others, collecting Barbie may end up feeling like a frustrating chore. The value of vintage Barbies is never guaranteed either. So collecting should not be viewed as a get-rich-quick scheme, especially when starting out.
The other main consideration is the time and expense involved. Barbie collecting requires dedication to keep the dolls in good shape, and pricier ones like vintage Barbies can become costly. Storage space is another constraint.
The bottom line
Collecting Barbie dolls appeals mostly to those with an intrinsic interest in Barbie from childhood or an artistic passion for dolls. For the right person, building an impressive Barbie collection can be a tremendously fun and rewarding lifelong hobby. It opens the door to an entire community of fellow enthusiasts. But the costs, storage needs, and care required are barriers for those on the fence, as collecting anything simply for the sake of accumulating items tends to loses luster over time.
