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Valuable Barbies are a real investment. Vintage models in particular can fetch four- to five-figure prices. The most expensive models, however, are from the modern era.
Valuable Barbies: At the top is a model from 2010
The older the better – at least in terms of price, this is true of the world’s most famous doll. Barbie has been around for over 60 years – and there’s no end in sight. In general, the older the Barbie is, the higher her value often is.
- However, exceptions prove the rule here too. The most expensive Barbie in the world is not that old and dates back to 2010, when a Barbie was created in collaboration with designer Stefano Canturi. The doll wears a specially made diamond jewellery with the little black dress. Its value: 345,000 euros.
- In second place is the De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie from 1999, which is worth just under 100,000 euros.
- In third place, a vintage Barbie joins the ranks of the most expensive Barbies: The original doll from 1959 is being traded at 29,000 euros.
Impeccable condition and rare collector’s item: criteria for the value of a Barbie
Even though two out of three dolls in the top 3 tend to be of more recent vintage, vintage dolls are considered more valuable on average in the industry.
- However, age is not the only factor. For example, there are some rare collector’s items from recent years that have also risen sharply in value. These include the Karl Lagerfeld Barbie (2014), the Aqua Queen of the Prom Barbie (2001) or the City Smart Silkstone Barbie (2003).
- It is also important for the price that the doll is in impeccable condition. Only then can high amounts be achieved. It is best if the Barbie is still in its original packaging.
- If you too would like to determine the value of your Barbie, you can resort to so-called Barbie price guides. Examples include “The Illustrated Price Guide to Collectible Barbie Dolls” by Carol Manos and Susan Paris or “Warman’s Barbie Doll Field Guide: Values and Identification” by Sharon Verbeten.
