The first Barbie sold for $3. Flash forward 61 years and meet some rare dolls that could net you an impressive five figures.
These 12 Rare Barbie Dolls Could Fetch a Lot of Money
Updated on Sep. 01, 2023
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The history of Barbie
Who knew that when Barbie was first introduced at the American International Toy Fair in New York City on March 9, 1959, the plastic bombshell in a black and white bathing suit would become an iconic figure sold in 150 countries around the world? More than 100 dolls are sold every minute, totaling 58 million Barbies purchased each year. While it’s true that Barbie and her entourage can be found in playrooms globally, some dolls are quite rare—meet a dozen members of the Barbie brigade that can fetch a pretty penny.
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The Original Barbie
When Barbara Millicent Roberts, aka Barbie, made her debut in 1959 at the International Toy Fair in New York City, toy buyers were apprehensive about the grown-up plastic figure that was unlike the baby dolls that were trending at the time. No one could have predicted her future fame. While you could pick up a Barbie for $3 back then, if you could unearth one today, you could get up to $27,450, which was the price tag of an original Barbie in mint condition that sold at auction. Learn 17 things about Barbie that you didn’t know.
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Lorraine Schwartz Barbie
Produced in 2010, the Lorraine Schwartz doll is one of the younger entrants on our list. What makes it so hard to find one of the red-headed dolls designed by the fame jeweler is that only one set of 12 dolls was produced; they recently sold at auction for $7,500. Find out how much Barbie’s DreamHouse would cost in real life.
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De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie
Diamond jewelers De Beers created a special edition doll to stylishly mark Barbie’s 40th birthday in 1999. The fashionista revealed awesome abs sporting a gold bikini top and sheer skirt., but the true show stopper was her belt that featured 160 diamonds. The rare gem sold at auction for $85,000. These 13 vintage Barbie dolls are worth a fortune today.
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Barbie by Stefano Canturi
Australian jewelry designer Stefano Canturi created a special edition doll to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. And special it was. The doll, which took Canturi six months to create, came with a diamond necklace worth $300,000 alone. In 2010, the Barbie was purchased for $302,500, earning her the title of highest auctioned Barbie of all time.
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Marie Antoinette
This regal Barbie, part of the Women of Royalty Series, pays tribute to the ill-fated 18th century Queen of France. Royally dressed in a luxurious blue gown embellished with gold lace. Carrying a pair of porcelain roses, she embodies the French figure of her namesake. We found one for $5,000 on Amazon. Find out what Barbie looked like the decade you were born.
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Pink Splendor Barbie
Pretty in a pale pink gown, the Pink Splendor Barbie is part of a Limited Edition that was released in 1997—only 10,000 dolls were created worldwide. Her ensemble celebrates the finer things in life rhinestones, crystals, and glittering lace and silk. If you want to own one of the most expensive Barbies ever created, you can grab one for $399.95. You could be sitting on a gold mine if you have one of these 25 things collecting dust in your attic.
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Karl Lagerfield Barbie
With her black fingerless gloves, sunglasses, black ankle boots, and a black leather purse with silver metallic chain, the Karl Lagerfeld channels her late namesake’s impeccable style. There were only 999 of the Platinum Label dolls released in 2014—today, you can snag one for $9,800 on eBay.
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Midnight Tuxedo Barbie
One of the Official Barbie Collector Club Exclusives, Midnight Tuxedo Barbie stuns in her floor-length midnight black gown and matching stole. If the doll, created in 2001, was never removed from her box, she could fetch up to $995. Find out the most popular toy the year you were born.
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City Smart Barbie
Though she looks like she stepped out of an Audrey Hepburn movie with her wide-brimmed hat, white gloves, and smart black shoes and pocketbook, City Smart Barbie was originally released in 2003. Only 600 dolls were manufactured making her a prize to add to your collection if you are looking add a treasure. You can find the sleek and sophisticated lady on eBay for $1,799. Find out 13 of the quirkiest items that sold for millions at auction.
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Chicago Cubs Barbie
Designer Sharon Zuckerman created the Chicago Cubs Barbie for the Barbie Loves Sports Collection released in 1999. Sporting a Major League Baseball uniform, the sporty Barbie is a home run in her team jersey and all its accouterments including a dugout jacket, baseball cap with official team logo and faux leather belt. She shot up in price after the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. If kept in mint condition, she could net you about $2,000. Here are more childhood collections that could bring you a windfall of cash.
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Calvin Klein Barbie
In her Calvin Klein denim jacket and miniskirt and cropped gray top, this Barbie harkens back to the heyday of Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg aka 1996. Her CK backpack and undies show her devotion to the iconic designer. If you have one in good condition, it is estimated to be worth $1.414.
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Pink Diamond Barbie
Celebrity fashion designers Phillipe and David Blond (The Blonds) and Bill Greening, Mattel principal designer, teamed up to create this dazzling star who was auctioned off to benefit MAC Aids Fund. The doll dressed in her jewel-encrusted mini and matching pink fur coat which was debuted at the Blonds spring 2013 show and later sold at auction for $15,000.
