Collecting vintage Barbie dolls is a popular hobby among toy enthusiasts, and the early Barbies are some of the most sought-after dolls on the market. Establishing a doll's worth can depend on many factors, including the condition, accessories and year made.

Condition

Valued highly among collectors and fans are the earliest Barbie dolls, which were first made in 1959. According to dollreference.com, the early 1959 Barbie with a blond ponytail has an approximate value of $7,500 in perfect condition, while a doll without clothing can be valued at around $3,500. Missing accessories, clothing or box and overall doll condition can reduce the value. A doll that has a "greasy" face will have a lower value.

Hair Color

Barbie's hair color can be a pertinent factor in the value of a doll, especially in the popular year models. For example, the early 1959 blond may have a value of $7,500, while her brunette counterpart can come in at $8,000. This is due to the higher number of blond dolls produced that year versus the other hair colors. Another example is the 1961 doll featuring the "brownette" hair color, which is rarer than the others.

Accessories

Having all of the accessories such as clothing, shoes, box and earrings with the original doll can raise the value considerably. The 1959 doll box with markings can command approximately $2,400, the bathing suit $25 and the earrings around $150. These prices can vary if the condition is imperfect or the item is damaged or faded.

Unique Barbies

There are some Barbies that draw special attention for their unique features. They might not have been popular when first produced, but later became treasures for collectors. One example is the 1964 Miss Barbie, who had eyes that opened and closed. She is the only Barbie like this, and she was the first variation to have bendable legs. In perfect condition, she can bring approximately $1,300.

Identification

When figuring the value of your vintage Barbie, you will want to find the markings that show the year and manufacturer, which are found on the right bottom cheek or on the back of her neck. The clothing, hairstyle, accessories and body style can show you when she was made. To get the most accurate value for your doll, consult a doll expert to get a professional grading.

Source:

1959-1962 Mattel Vintage Barbie Doll