At Judy’s Jewelry Antiques and Estate Jewelry, your collectibles experts of Southwest Florida, we understand the mystique of collecting action figures, toys and dolls. We love the historical significance of these nostalgic items, and the memories and stories they bring to mind, just as much as you do. When it comes to historical interest and significance, there is no more iconic toy than Barbie.
On March 9, 1959 the toy industry would be forever changed when this bombshell first hit store shelves. The story goes that Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel Inc. in El Segundo, CA, was inspired to create the more realistic looking doll by her daughter who loved paper dolls but wanted something that would not be ruined so quickly and easily. Like the fashion industry, Barbie has been through many evolutions, making her the perfect reflection of popular culture through the years.
In terms of collectibles some Barbies are considered to be works of art, wearing clothing designed by some of the biggest designers of our times, and their price tag reflects that. For example, Bob Mackie’s Starlight Splendor Barbie has a standard price tag of 00. Another easy
50 sale is the Totally Hair Barbie from the 1980s. The Disney’s Beast Barbie (complete with a prince to beast changing costume) released in 1991 can sell for about $40 a pop.
Barbies also skyrocketed in value during the pandemic. WCPO in Cincinnati, Ohio, reported that many Barbies produced between 1970 and 1985 were worth several hundred dollars apiece if in their original boxes, although the original Barbies from 1959 and 1960 still had the highest value.
When you're interested to find out what Barbies hold the most value you should always look into the series or line from which it was sold. We recommend putting these Barbies (carefully) in the sale pile:
- Vintage Disney Princesses
- Barbies from a specific era (Totally Glams, 1980s Era, Malibu)
- The Goddess Collection Series
- Happy Holidays/New Year's Collections
- Fashion Designers/Fashion Models/Fashion Show Series
- Women of Royalty Series
- Barbie Loves Lucy! Series
- Platinum Label Barbies
- Barbie Loves Sports/Signature Edition Jersey
- Any Limited Edition Barbie
- Any Barbie made prior to the 1970s
