Who would have thought that a plastic doll that was meant to be a toy, and is still a great toy choice, when it was first introduced into one of the most collectable items on the market today with over 600 different Barbie Doll collectibles like a Barbie Bride with a dress designed by Bob Mackie ( designer for Cher and the Carol Burnett Show). If you are fortunate enough to have an original Barbie Doll Collectable and the box she came in you are fortunate indeed. Boxes are very important in collections like Barbie. Having the original box can increase the value tremendously.
Being a Barbie Doll Collector is a full time job. Keeping track of all the items and what they are selling for involves a lot of work and dedication. There are clubs devoted entirely to Barbie Doll Collectibles . If you are serious about collecting Barbie Dolls, it would be a good idea to join one and keep up on all the news. Lets take a look at some of the special Barbie Doll Collectibles , and the ones that were sold as toys, and see what is going on in Barbie’s world.
That Bride Doll I mentioned, for instance is selling now for about $99. It is definitely a collectable only. It is a new release, 2006, so it will rise in value rapidly. This is one to add to or start a collection.
Do you know that there is a whole collection of Barbie Dolls make in fine porcelain? These Barbie Dolls are so exquisite, they are more like works of art. One of the collections has Barbie dressed in gowns based on the famous Faberge Eggs. It is a limited edition, and con only be bought from collectors. If you happen to have one of theses, or better yet the whole collection, it is almost priceless. This brings out the importance of getting the Barbie Dolls the first ti me they come out. Editions like this will seem expensive, but with the way the price increases, make a good investment. And they are so beautiful just to look at .
And those vintage dolls that were sold as toys way back in the 60’s and 70’s are now selling anywhere from $50 to almost $400. The price depends on the year it was made, condition, how many are in circulation and if it comes with the original box.
So how do you tell what year your Barbie Doll was made?
Take a look at the body. There are marks specific to the particular doll. For instance, the original Barbie, from 1959 and 1960 have this mark on the body. Barbie TM / Pats Pen. / MCMLVIII / by Mattel / Inc. It changed in 1961 to Barbie R / Pats Pen. / MCMLVIII / by Mattel / Inc. In 1962 Barbie got a friend, Midge and all the dolls were stamped like this Midge TM / C 1962 / Barbie R / C 1958 / by / Mattel, Inc. So if you look at the dolls very carefully, you should be able to determine their age.
The first thing you must do when collecting anything is homework. Study up on all aspects of the product. There are many books about Barbie Doll Collectibles. These are some of the best. I strongly suggest you get at least one before you set out collecting. It is an investment that will pay off big time in the long run.
Vintage Barbie Dolls and Fashions: With Barbie and Skipper Fashions and the Whole Family of Barbie Dolls®
by Hillary James
ISBN: 0764325124
ISBN-13: 9780764325120
Paperback, 160pp
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Pub. Date: June 2006
This is one of the books that will have the most up to date information. It has information and current prices not only on Barbie but also on all of her friends and all of the clothes and accessories.
The Barbie Doll Years: A Comprehensive Listing & Value Guide of Dolls & Accessories
by Patrick C. Olds, Joyce L. Olds, Joyce L. Olds
Pub. Date: November 2005
ISBN: 1574324624
ISBN-13: 9781574324624
Format: Paperback, 397pp
Publisher: Collector Books
This book is a year older and it will be useful in determining how much the dolls have increased in value in a short time period.
Barbie Doll Fashion: The Complete History of the Wardrobes of Barbie, Her Friends, and Her Family, Vol. 2
by Sarah Sink Eames
Pub. Date: April 1997
# ISBN: 0891457585
ISBN-13: 9780891457589
Hardcover, 328pp
Publisher: Collector Books
This one is older and even better to use to check the price increases.
