Could that doll you played with as a child actually be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars?
Barbie made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959 — which also happens to be her official birthday. Since then, she has become an international icon of glamor, and a name and body recognized by generations of women everywhere.
To honor her 60th birthday this year, we take a look at 50 Barbie dolls that are worth a combined $620,370 — often due to limited edition jewelry or exclusive collaborations that resulted in the doll’s design. Yes, that’s a lot of Barbie.
Price Tag: $160
Totally hair, totally valuable and totally one of the most popular Barbies that all ’80s babies had, with a whopping 10 million being sold worldwide.
This doll, circa 1992, is now for sale on eBay for upwards of $160. Along with her Rapunzel-style hair, she came with accessories like brushes and styling gel.
Price Tag: $200
In her glorious, designer silver and black dress and silver headpiece, this gorgeous Barbie goes for around $200 on eBay.
Released in 1991, she was part of the second Bob Mackie series.
Price Tag: $225
The limited edition 2000 Ferrari Barbie recently sold for $225 on eBay.
With the highly recognizable Ferrari logo as a diamante hairpiece, she is dressed in signature Ferrari Red. The price tag reflects the collectible nature of this doll.
Price Tag: $450
This Gold Label edition is very similar to the more expensive Platinum Label version on this list. However, this Barbie is a brunette, and was designed by Sharon Zuckerman.
About 8,500 were released in 2006, featuring sashes that accentuate the waist in addition to “diamond” stud earrings and a ring. The doll is currently being sold on eBay for around $450.
Price Tag: $450
Released in 2010, this fiercely attired Barbie as Athena doll was part of the Goddess Series. In warrior outfit, complete with headdress, gold armor, boots and shield, Athena was only produced in a run of 5,300.
Editions on eBay are valued at around $450, and their value will rise with time, as seen with the other Gold Label editions like Medusa.
Price Tag: $500
With her phenomenal pink gown, this stylish doll was a limited edition released in 1996. Only 10,000 were manufactured worldwide.
The most expensive Barbie ever sold in stores, she originally had an asking price of about $900 retail, but you'll find one on eBay for about $500 now.
Price Tag: $500
Part of the Women of Royalty Series, the Queen Elizabeth I Barbie was released in 2004. In an extraordinary gown and regal jewels, the doll replicates this “Golden Age” monarch right down to her high forehead, pale skin and elaborate gold headpiece.
There are two currently listed on Amazon at just under $500.
Price Tag: $500
This special edition Barbie doll touts a black gown with glitter print, topped off with a pink cape and jeweled tiara.
Released in 1998 to celebrate the holidays, she is currently going for $500 on Etsy and $450 on eBay.
Price Tag: $800
In 1989, it was all about big shoulder pads, big hair and big glitzy outfits. Pink Jubilee Barbie epitomized these qualities in her silver-hued gown, huge jewels and massive blonde hairdo.
For a spare $800, you can get your hands on one and relive those vibrant times.
Price Tag: $800
Lots of the special edition Barbies created for the Happy Holidays Series go for a pretty penny.
Mint condition versions of this doll, decked out in a red velvet jacket and white fur hat, are currently being sold on Etsy for $800 and $750 on eBay.
Price Tag: $995
Midnight Tuxedo Barbie is worth an estimated $995. In her glamorous black-buttoned dress, satin black purse and glamorous black fur coat, she is both elegant and timeless.
Released in 2001, this collector doll features six silvery buttons and satiny lapels.
Price Tag: $1,000
Released in 2006, this Barbie is ready to go to the ball. Her decadent black ball gown is decorated with a floral print that she matches with long white gloves.
If you own one of these and haven’t removed her from the original box, she could be worth up to $1,000. After all, her brooch is designed with Swarovski crystals.
Price Tag: $1,000
The Glory of the ’80s Barbie was released quite recently in 2017. Its value comes from its limited quantity of only 100 manufactured, and a boxed, pristine version could reap $1,000.
The puffy shoulder pads and cocktail outfit certainly recall the signature look of 1980s glamour girls.
Price Tag: $1,050
This Barbie from the Barbie Loves Lucy! Collection continues the mass international adoration of star Lucille Ball. Released in 2004, the doll is valued today at $1,050.
The doll is dressed in a polka dot dress and a white apron worn by Ball in the original "Sales Resistance" episode, broadcasted in 1953. The plot synopsis involved Lucy purchasing an expensive vacuum cleaner after seeing an ad on TV.
Price Tag: $1,075
Released in 2010, the Devi Kroell Barbie is bedecked in gold thigh-high boots, a sparkly pink purse and chic grey dress coat.
This doll is the creation of Devi Kroell, the designer best known for her Italian-made handbags. A charity auction for the Council of Fashion Designers of America saw the doll sell for $1,075.
Price Tag: $1,099
Empress Josephine Barbie paid due to the monarch herself. Decorated in pearl earrings and a necklace (not genuine) and a regal satin gown (that cannot be removed from the doll), Josephine is today valued at just under $1,099.
A 2005 release in the Women of Royalty Series, the doll is most valuable when it has remained boxed and protected from environmental damage.
Price Tag: $1,150
Chataine Barbie, in her strapless bustier and figure-hugging skirt, comes accessorized with a chocolate-brown fur stole, rhinestone and gold earrings, and flawless makeup (of course).
A 2003 release doll, this Limited Edition Barbie is valued at $1,150, as part of the Barbie Fashion Model Collection.
Price Tag: $1,250
Let them eat cake! But don't go spilling crumbs on this exclusive collector's prize. The Marie Antoinette Barbie, released in 2003 as part of the Women of Royalty Series, comes dressed in the royal refinery of a queen and claims a very royal $1,250 price tag on eBay.
Perhaps most valuable are the porcelain roses she carries as a bouquet.
Price Tag: $1,350
This circa-1966 Barbie was especially cool because you could dye her hair. The models came with blonde or black hair that could change to Scarlet Flame or Ruby Red when a specific solution was applied.
Because they were so rare, Color Magic Barbie, decked out in this ’60s getup is currently going for $1,350 on eBay.
Price Tag: $1,350
This Barbie was released as part of the Platinum label in 2005.
While her black lace dress features an intricate design, her accessories are equally beautiful, including her black handbag and black stilettos. The doll was designed for the Japanese collector, and only 500 were created. She’s currently selling for $1,350 on eBay.
Price Tag: $1,395
Released in 2012 at the exclusive Paris Fashion Doll Festival, Barbie looks like she’s dressed up for a 1920s affair.
As part of the Platinum Label, she’s already worth an estimated $850, but there’s one out there that is worth up to $1,395 is because there’s a Robert Best signature on the box. Who’s Robert Best? A famous fashion designer and illustrator for Mattel who happened to design this Barbie's dress.
Price Tag: $1,414
Made in Japan, the Escadia Barbie Doll was released in 1996, inspired by an original Escada design.
The black and pink layers of her gown and unique hairstyle give this limited edition doll a very different look from the rest of the Barbies on this list.
Price Tag: $1,414
Calvin Klein Barbie, released in 1996, epitomizes the all-American aesthetic of the designer, Calvin Klein.
In double denim with white sneakers and the iconic brand logo, this doll comes with Calvin Klein underwear and a backpack, too. In pristine condition, this doll can be worth $1,414.
Price Tag: $1,500
Coach Barbie was released in 2013 as part of the Gold Label. An ode to the fashion and accessories brand, Coach, this doll is accessorized with a duffel bag made of genuine leather — a first for Barbie. In fact, the bag was made in a Coach handbag factory.
To ensure the full $1,500 value, the doll must still have all three original Coach bag accessories.
Price Tag: $1,500
Released in 2004, Faerie Queen Barbie depicts the Irish mythical faerie. The second doll in the Legends of Ireland Collection, this doll was released in a limited number as part of the Platinum Label.
She wears a crown and has sparkling wings as ruler of the faerie world. If you are one of the 500 potential owners, consider that she is worth $1,500 today.
Price Tag: $1,500
Barbie as Medusa? Yes, and before you dismiss this as a novelty, consider the $1,500 price tag on one of these limited edition dolls.
Auburn-haired, snake-adorned Medusa pays homage to the Gorgon of Greek Mythology. She was a 2008 release as part of the Goddess Series.
Price Tag: $1,515
Princess of the Korean Court Barbie was released in 2004, dressed in a culturally inspired outfit that recreates the historical Hanbok of the Korean Court.
Released to celebrate the Sol Nal tradition (New Years' Day on the first day of spring), the 25th edition will sell for around $1,515 today.
Price Tag: $1,600
This limited edition Barbie, released in 1971, comes with different hairstyles to swap out for a fresh look. Her pink ruffled skirt and black belt make her red hair pop.
She sold in her original box for $1,600 via Apple Tree Auction Center in March 2018.
Price Tag: $1,600
Beloved by celebrities, wedding designer Monique Lhuillier's doll, worth $1,600, comes begowned in a divine wedding dress that is signature Lhuillier.
Released in 2006, the doll’s price tag is largely due to Lhuillier's autograph on the packaging. She is decorated with faux pearls and silvery sequins.
Price Tag: $1,750
Released in 2005, the Violette Barbie doll is dressed to the nines in a purple, floral gown made of printed silk organza.
Her value comes from her Platinum Label status as part of the Barbie Fashion Model Collection.
Price Tag: $1,999
Every ’90s kid wanted this Barbie, released in 1995, as she completely represents the surfer style that can only be found in dreamy Southern California. Her sparkly blue swimsuit and friends add to the complete package.
To grab the whopping $1,999 price tag, this Barbie must have never left the box.
Price Tag: $2,000
This Winter Wonderland edition Barbie doll is ready to attend quite the holiday affair, decked out in a white ball gown and matching white gloves.
Released in 2006, she has maintained her rare status as only one of 15 in existence.
Price Tag: $2,000
Another I Love Lucy ode, this adorable doll replicates Lucille Ball's Santa outfit in her Jingle Bells routine that aired on Christmas Eve in 1956.
The Platinum Edition of The Christmas Show doll, released in 2006, is valued at $2,000 with the rest of the gang, including Ricky, Ethel and Fred, making up the Christmas Show category.
Price Tag: $2,000
Chicago Cubs Barbie, dressed in signature team outfit, looks sporty and chic. She also looks every cent worth her amazing $2,000 estimated value if kept in the original packaging, untouched.
The 1999 edition doll was a giveaway at the July 20 Chicago Cubs versus Kansas City Royals baseball game of that same year.
Price Tag: $2,000
Stunning in the likeness to her namesake, the Cher Barbie was released in 2007 dressed in a ringmaster outfit that replicated what Cher wore on her Farewell Tour. Celebrated designer Bob Mackie designed the sparkling bodysuit, top hat and coattails.
To ensure the $2,000 value of this doll, it must be the Platinum Label version and must have been kept in the box. Only 996 dolls were released globally.
Price Tag: $2,293
If you could use an extra $2,293 and can bear to part with it, the NASCAR Official #94 Barbie released in 1999 has accrued value due to her signature racing helmet, uniform and limited edition.
The doll was released to celebrate the Winston Cup Racing event sponsored by McDonald's (hence the red and yellow uniform). Designed by Sharon Zuckerman, she is part of the Barbie Loves Sports series.
Price Tag: $2,500
Created to celebrate the 2000 New Year, complete with a black and silver dress, tiara and even a ball to drop, this Barbie is currently being sold on Etsy for $2,500.
All she needs is a glass of champagne.
Price Tag: $2,995
City Smart Silkstone Barbie is a vintage dream. In her 1940s-inspired chic black dress-suit and strappy heels, this doll was only manufactured in a run of 600. The designer outfit was created by Robert Best, and the doll was released in 2003 as part of the Barbie Fashion Model Collection.
With white gloves, black belt, tote bag and a ribboned hat, this doll could earn you a stunning $2,995 if she has been maintained in pristine condition.
Price Tag: $3,000
The 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie is one of the most coveted of the Happy Holidays Series. She is certainly ready to celebrate, decked out from head to toe in red tulle.
This Special Edition doll typically is valued between $550 and $750, but this one signed by the Ruth Handler, the inventor of the Barbie doll, is going for $3,000 on eBay.
Price Tag: $3,500
One of the earlier Barbies, released in 1966, the American Girl Barbie doll was marketed as having “lifelike bendable lakes.”
A mint condition version in the original box can earn up to $3,500.
Price Tag: $5,000
The Aqua Queen of The Prom Barbie deserves to look as proud as she does, with a price tag of $5,000 on the market today. A Collector's Edition doll, she was created for the 2001 National Barbie Doll Convention.
One of only 30 in existence, the doll must have remained boxed and untouched to maintain this eye-popping value.
Price Tag: $5,000
The Carol Spencer Holiday Barbie was a 1994 special edition prototype that has been estimated to cost $999, but is currently on sale on eBay for a whopping $5,000.
Carol Spencer was a designer for Mattel since the 1960s, hence the prototype name and the incredible value. Spencer spent 35 years designing unique fashion outfits for the beloved Barbie doll.
Price Tag: $6,000
Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary fashion designer who sadly died only recently, inspired this tuxedoed, chic doll. The Karl Lagerfeld Barbie comes adorned in a black tuxedo suit, boots, sunglasses and thick eyebrows. Designed by Robert Best under the Platinum Label, the leather purse, fingerless gloves and silver-metal accessories are all perfectly Karl.
Still in its original packaging, this 2014 doll could sell for an eye-watering $6,000.
Price Tag: $7,500
In 2010, celebrity jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz was the inspiration and collaborator behind this flame-haired beauty.
Rather than demanding a price tag for her outfit or divine hair, this Barbie demanded $7,500 at auction for her diamond encrusted belt, shoes and earrings valued at more than $25,000. So, whoever owns this may be in store for a lot more next time it sells.
Price Tag: $15,000
Yet another designer Barbie, this one was designed by David and Phillipe Blond with the help of Mattel’s Principal Designer Bill Greening.
The doll stunned audiences in The Blond’s New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 show, wearing a dress covered in small rose and fuchsia diamonds, matched by a faux pink fur coat. It was later auctioned off for a mere $15,000.
Price Tag: $17,091
A 1965 release, Barbie in Midnight Red was part of a collection of 4,000 dolls auctioned at Christie's in 2006.
She sold to an anonymous woman for $17,091, becoming the most expensive plastic doll to be sold at auction.
Price Tag: $27,450
Back in 1959, the original Barbie was a much paler, more modest doll than the California surfer girl we came to know in the 1980s. The first Barbie was available as a blonde or brunette, dressed in a Hollywood-esque bathing suit with striking red lips and thick black eyeliner — and about 350,000 sold for a whopping $3 each in that first year.
The Richest claimed the only way to check for a genuine first edition is to look to the doll's feet, which have holes in the bottom of them. The second edition was sold that same year, more or less the same, but without the holes. While this Barbie is worth $8,000, a mint condition doll recently sold for $27,450 at an auction.
Price Tag: $85,000
Another jewelry collaboration, this time with De Beers, saw Barbie dressed in an evening gown, but also included a bikini top. The best part? Her belt was encrusted with 160 diamonds, matched by white gold jewelry.
Released in 1999, the doll was a celebration of Barbie's 40th anniversary and is worth some $85,000.
Price Tag: $94,800
To celebrate the animated movie, “Barbie & the Diamond Castle,” in 2008, Mattel released a doll of the same name as a promotional measure. While the movie went straight to video, the doll remains on everyone’s collector’s list.
The doll's pink gown was dotted with $94,800 worth of diamonds — 318 to be exact — that were worthy of her diamond castle home.
Price Tag: $302,000
Now, we come to the most valuable Barbie in history. Launched in 2010 to celebrate the Barbie Basics collection in Australia, jewelry designer Stefano Canturi was called upon by Mattel to create a limited edition doll bedecked in high-quality bling.
His doll is adorned with a rare emerald-cut, 1-carat Australian pink diamond and 3-carat white diamonds. It was sold at auction by Christie’s, New York for the $302,000 price tag. As promised, 100 percent of profits were donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Whether you would rather keep your Barbies in a toy box or in a temperature-controlled museum, there are dolls at every budget point for both birthday presents and serious collectors.
It might be time to check the attic and work out whether those dolls you haven’t played with in decades are actually worth a pretty penny online...
And if you have one of these collector's items, congrats!
Check out eCommerce Bytes for some tips on how and where to sell your Barbies. You can also turn to eBay's Barbie Collectors section or its Dolls Selling Guide.
