+20 vintage Barbie dolls are worth a fortune today

57
ADVERTISEMENT - Continue reading below

You may have owned a Barbie at some point in your life. Barbies have been popular toys for many years, and they remain popular today. These dolls come in a variety of colors; some are princesses, while others are doctors or astronauts.

The Barbie doll was invented in 1959, and Mattel has sold over a billion dolls ever since. While all Barbie dolls are extremely popular with children, there are a few that are particularly popular – some of which are valued in the thousands.

Here are the world’s most valuable Barbies:

1. Calvin Klein Barbie

Mattel created a doll out of designer Calvin Klein’s high-quality denim in 1996. The doll is now very difficult to find and is valued at $1,400.

website/barbielistholland.com

She’s a big Calvin Klein fan since she’s also wearing Calvin Klein underwear! In addition to the CK logo printed on her gray t-shirt, she’s wearing white sneakers and a backpack.

2. Summer Daydreams Barbie

The Summer Daydreams Barbie collectible was inspired by the Fashion Classic Series produced by Coca-Cola. The doll was released in 1997, the same year that the ad campaign for Coca-Cola was released. Today, this doll can be purchased for as much as $1,514. She is a very nostalgic doll, donned in a long white dress adorned with red satin ribbons.

Summer Daydreams Barbie
Pinterest/Judyhoffmeister

A straw hat with a bow is worn with a lined skirt made of white pearl buttons and a small Coke bottle with a straw and an umbrella.

3. Original Barbie

In 1959, Mattel released the first Barbie doll ever. Today, this doll is worth $27,450. This doll is Barbie in her purest form, devoid of fancy clothes and accessories.

original Barbie
Photo by Ian Waldie via Getty Images

There are two types of Barbie dolls: collectible and vintage. You can tell if your doll is an original if there are holes at the bottom of her feet, which were put there so that she could stand. Her accessories include gold hoops and sunglasses. She is clad in a black and white striped bathing suit and has a ’50s hairstyle.

4. City Smart Silkstone Barbie

In 2003, Mattel made only 600 of the magnificent Silkstone Barbie City Smart dolls. Because she is so difficult to find, she has become one of the most popular Barbie dolls ever produced. This woman is a perfect example of a modern, sophisticated woman.

City Smarts Barbie
Pinterest/thebarbievig

An old-school glamorous touch is added to this black sheath dress by the white hat with a black bow. Some white gloves and a black handbag finish the look.

5. Pink Jubilee Barbie

The stylish Barbie was given to every guest at a launch party at Lincoln Center to commemorate the doll’s 30th anniversary in 1989. This Barbie is now valued at $800.

Pink Jubilee Barbie
Pinterest/therunforrace

The satin dress in pale pink with a silver print is part of ’80s-inspired Pink Jubilee Barbie’s look. A silver gown tied with a sash at the side completes this vintage Barbie doll look. Some dazzling earrings and a big hairdo complement this look.

6. The Christie Doll

In 1968, Mattel released the Christie Doll, the first African-American doll ever produced. There are many versions of the doll, which was initially offered as a companion to Barbie. In addition to being a companion to Barbie, Christie was also able to converse! Today, Christie dolls can be purchased for as little as $100 or as much as $900.

Christy
Pinterest/cam designs

A doll with black hair is worth more than one with red hair that has turned brown through oxidation. A doll with a body shape similar to Barbie’s can wear the same clothes.

7. Ken Doll

In 1961, two years after Barbie was released, Ken became one of her iconic companions. She was long-time Barbie’s love interest. The original Ken doll has a current value of up to $375.

Ken
Pinterest/cam design

Mattel reports that the couple met during a fashion show and split up in 2004, but they reunited in 2011. Ken has his line of costumes and accessories.

8. Nascar #94 Babie

Barbie has been the official Nascar Barbie since 1999. In addition to being a race car driver, Bill Elliot’s persona has been adopted by McDonald’s to market its products. This doll was created by Sharon Zuckerman and inspired by Bill Elliot.

NASCAR #94 Barbie in box
Pinterest/stephanierigg7

Barbie has been the official Nascar Barbie since 1999. In addition to being a race car driver, Bill Elliot’s persona has been adopted by McDonald’s to market its products. This doll was created by Sharon Zuckerman and inspired by Bill Elliot.

9. Stefano Canturi Barbie

In 2011, Mattel released the Stefano Canturi Barbie doll, which was the most costly Barbie ever produced. The world-renowned fashion designer Stefano Canturi inspired the doll’s clothing and jewelry. That is why the price was so high.

stefano doll
Pinterest/10awesome

This Barbie necklace includes Australian pink diamonds that are cut into emeralds. In addition to the three carats of sparkling white diamonds, the beauty is enhanced. The retail value of this doll is an incredible $302,500.

10. Chatelaine Barbie

The Fashion Model Collection’s Chataine Barbie is one of Mattel’s signature Barbie dolls. This doll exemplifies magnificence and sophistication. She was released in 2003 and is now a limited edition doll valued at nearly $1,150.

Chataine
Pinterest/pgplumtree

The coffee-colored evening gown with a mermaid skirt is embellished with lace and sequins, and the brown fur stole makes this magnificent outfit even more opulent. Chatelaine Barbie is wearing an evening jacket over her dress, and her hair is styled into a chic chignon.

11. Carol Spencer Holiday Barbie

In 1994, the Carol Spencer Holiday Barbie was introduced, and it was named after a designer who worked at Mattel for over 30 years. Because she worked on designing extravagant outfits for her dolls, she wanted to create a special holiday doll.

holiday doll
Pinterest/niptuck1

This barbie is quite difficult to locate, which makes it a dream for doll collectors. She has puffy red sleeves with a red dress lined with pink sequins and green beadwork. Her hair is in a high ponytail and tied with a matching red hair tie.

12. The Pink Splendor Barbie

The $900 Pink Splendor Barbie was released in 1996 and is one of the rarest Barbies ever produced, with only 10,000 produced worldwide. This Barbie is renowned for her extravagant hairdo, which includes a two-inch-high bun on the top of her head.

Pink-splendor
Pinterest/wanderlust

The gold lace design on the doll’s satin pink dress and bodice inspired the doll’s name Pink Splendor. You can purchase a replica of this doll on Amazon for $339 if you wish.

13. Marie Antoinette Barbie

You must have the Marie Antoinette Barbie in your collection if you’re interested in history. This doll was introduced in 2003 and has a value of $1,250. As the name suggests, this beautiful doll was inspired by the French queen and is every bit regal.

Pinterest/eBay

The Marie Antoinette Barbie doll is dressed in a regal blue gown with a matching bodice. The gold lace across the skirt and base is where this exquisite look is enhanced. This hat with feather tassels completes the look.

14. ‘The Birds’ Barbie

‘The Birds’ Barbie, created by Mattel, is one of the most unique dolls out there. This doll was based on the 1963 film ‘The Birds’ by Alfred Hitchcock. With a value of $250, ‘The Birds’ Barbie is a great addition to any collection.

The Birds
Caroline Seidel/picture alliance via Getty Images

In 2008, Bill Greening created this outfit based on the movie ‘The Birds.’ The designer recreated this suit, which was worn by the lead actress, Tippi Hedren. ‘The Birds’ Barbie looks frightened as large blackbirds attack her.

15. Hair Barbie

This Barbie is a must-have in your collection if you’re a fan of Barbie’s lengthy blonde hair. This doll was a 25th-anniversary edition, and one of Mattel’s best-selling Barbies. She was released in 1992 and is valued at $160 today.

totally-hair
Tumblr/jelly-toy-collection

This doll takes inspiration from the  ’90s style and has a colorful mini dress as well as gel earrings. The hair, however, is what makes this doll so iconic. Long blonde hair flows down to her legs and is held together with a pink hairband. You can purchase this doll on Amazon.

16. Barbie As Medusa

The adult collector version of Medusa Barbie was inspired by the villain in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.  Only 6,500 of these dolls were produced, so it may be difficult to get one. Medusa Barbie was created in 2008 and was sold for $1,500.

Medusa Barbie
Pinterest/Flickr.com

The doll is dressed in a black fishtail dress with a gold train. Gold snake jewelry adorns her neck, arms, and ears. Her dark, long, and curly tresses define her as the movie villain.

17. Athena Barbie

Barbie released a Greek Goddess series in 2010, including Aphrodite and Medusa. Athena Barbie was one of the most popular dolls in this collection. 5,300 copies of this doll were released, and they now sell for at least $450.

Athena Barbie wears black and gold Greek armor.
Pinterest/Nancy R

Barbie wears golden armor over a black dress, symbolizing wisdom and combat. The headdress, breastplate, boots, and shield are part of her armor. The shield bears the inscription ‘Athena.’ Barbie also holds a spear to match her dark, somber makeup.

18. Devi Kroell Barbie

Mattel created another fashion-forward Barbie doll in 2010, Devi Kroell. This one was designed by Devi Kroell, the prominent Italian designer known for his handbags. It’s now valued at $1,075.

Devi Kroell Barbie
Pinterest/ Lou Callagan

This Barbie’s clad in a stylish cashmere black dress with a bow at the center. She has knee-high bedazzled boots and a pink handbag to accompany her. The Devi Kroell Barbie is renowned for her modern-day elegance and sophistication. This one-of-a-kind doll was sold for $1,075 at an auction for the Council of Fashion Designers in the U.S. because of her excellent taste.

19. Lorraine Schwartz Barbie

Lorraine Schwartz, a well-known jewelry designer, created this doll, which is worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé. Mattel Inc. collaborated with the designer to create this doll.

Lorraine Schwartz Barbie
Pinterest/expensive

In 2010, this Barbie with long red hair was auctioned off for $7,500. A mini black bodycon dress with a belt and bedazzled B adorns Barbie here. A black stole is wrapped around her neck. Barbie’s jewelry includes diamond bracelets and chunky earrings.

20. American Girl Barbie

Between 1965 and 1967, the American Girl Barbie was manufactured. The glamorous vintage hairstyle was what distinguished her. Bendable Leg Barbie was the first incarnation of American Girl Barbie, and she was later renamed that.

American-Girl
Pinterest/Chaney

The doll has a pageboy haircut in blonde, titan, brunette, or platinum colors. She is dressed in a striped swimsuit and turquoise shoes. There are Japanese versions of the doll since it was manufactured in Japan. Recently, an American Girl Barbie was sold for $180.

21. Bob Mackie Starlight Splendor Barbie

The Bob Mackie Starlight Splendor Barbie was the second Bob Mackie Barbie to be released in 1991. The Starlight Splendor Barbie, an American fashion and costume designer, is one of the most difficult Barbies to find. You may be able to find it for $200 on eBay if you are lucky.

Bob Mackie Starlight Splendor Barbie is in packaging.
Pinterest/TOYHELPER

There are over 5,000 hand-sewn beads and sequins on this black and silver feathery gown worn by Barbie. Her unique outfit comes with a big price, especially since she was a limited edition.

22. Ferrari Barbie

Ferrari Barbie dolls were first released in 2001. Before that, Barbie had appeared in red Ferraris, but she had never been dressed as one. Here, she wears the trademark red in a sophisticated evening dress. The original edition can be acquired for at least $22 if you want it.

The 2001 original Ferrari Barbie is seen in a red evening gown.
Pinterest/Mary Sva

The long dress covered in Swarovski crystals makes Barbie look like she’s on the red carpet. She wears a red marabou stole and long red gloves to complete the look. Her hair is in an elegant updo with a shiny adornment.

23. Gold Label Monique Lhuillier Bride Barbie

The most costly Monique Lhuillier bridal shop line of Barbie dolls was released in 2006. If you are lucky enough to find one today, it will cost you $450. Sharon Zuckerman was responsible for designing this bridal Barbie doll, as well as many other famous dolls.

Gold Label Monique Lhuillier Bride Barbie stands in front of her packaging.
Pinterest/Lebelle Ang

The wedding dress worn by Barbie has an A-line design and a satin sash with rhinestone accents. Lace undergarments and a matching garter are also worn. A similar Silver Label was released, but it appears different from the Gold Label.

24. Queen Elizabeth I Barbie

Barbie dressed as one of the most beloved monarchs in history, Queen Elizabeth I, in 2004. This doll was the second in the Women of Royalty series, after Marie Antoinette. While not as exclusive as other dolls on this list, her outfit is so extravagant that it goes for $500 on Amazon.

Queen Elizabeth Barbie is seen.
Pinterest/Monica Balancier

The extravagant jewels decorating Queen Elizabeth Barbie’s white, red, and black sixteenth-century gown are carefully replicated here. Her elaborate headdress and choker as well as her long, pearl necklaces and matching fan are all present.

25. 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie

The 1996 Special Edition Barbie is one of the most costly Barbies ever produced. She wears a velvet coat with faux fur on the sleeves, neckline, and hat, all of which are gold ball gowns underneath. Various hair colors and skin tones are available.

THE 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie is seen.
Pinterest/Lynn Garst

You can buy this doll for $750 to $800 if you spot a good deal. The braids on the dress and the buttons rack up the doll’s price, and she’s a hard-to-find limited-edition Barbie.

 

ADVERTISEMENT