The Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls

Vintage Barbie doll with black and white striped bathing suit Blonde #1 Boxed Barbie. Sold for $6,600 via Morphy Auctions (April 2013).
Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes
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Last updated: 12.11.19

The Barbie doll is of the most popular and recognizable dolls ever created, and not just among young girls. This doll is highly sought after by collectors, especially well-preserved, vintage Barbie dolls. Since the first Barbie, named Barbie Millicent Roberts, was introduced to the world in 1959, new editions have been unveiled with each subsequent decade, wrought with added accessories and changes that reflected the times in which the dolls were produced.

Before her late-1950s debut, America hadn’t seen anything quite like the Barbie doll. Prior, only infant doll designs were available on the toy market, but Barbie brought something new and different. The dolls were designed to allow young girls to dream about their futures as career-driven, posturing women. They quickly became some of the best-selling dolls of all time, with over a billion sold to-date.

Vintage Barbie dolls on the market from 1959 to the late 1960s are especially prized among collectors. Often, these Barbies had bendable legs or red hair, and they are considered some of the most rare and valuable. Today, the price of a mint condition Barbie from this era can run close to $25,000. Barbie has continued to evolve since its inception, and undoubtedly changed the modern toy industry forever.

A Brief History of Barbie Dolls

A set of two Barbie dolls; one depicting Doris Day and one depicting Rock Hudson clothed as their characters from the classic 1959 Universal film Pillow Talk

Doris Day signed Barbie Collection Pink Label doll from 2011, related to the film Pillow Talk. Sold for $6,000 via Julien’s Auctions (April 2020).

Barbie dolls were invented by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Inc., an American toy manufacturing company founded in 1945. After observing her daughter play with paper dolls, Handler was inspired to create a three-dimensional version of a career-minded, adult doll. She even bought the rights to the German-made doll Bild Lilli, and modeled her version after the figure. By 1959, the first Barbie doll made its official debut at the New York Toy Fair.

Barbie Millicent Roberts was named after Handler’s daughter. The doll was said to be from Willows, Wisconsin and held a prominent career as a teenage fashion model. She could be purchased for $3, with add-ons ranging from $1–$5. Originally, the first doll was available in brunette or blonde. Not until 1961 were red-haired Barbies available on the market. That same year, the Ken doll was introduced, a male doll model named after Handler’s son. In 1980, the first African American and Hispanic Barbies were sold.

Barbies were a divisive topic and received much criticism from the beginning. While some focused on Barbie’s leisurely lifestyle that seemingly lacked ambition, others were unhappy with her challenge of traditional gender roles. Despite the controversy, over 300,000 dolls were sold within the first year alone. This is due in large part to the Mattel’s sponsorship with the “Mickey Mouse Club” television program: Mattel became the first toy company to broadcast commercials to children, helping to promote the toy tremendously.

Barbie has undoubtedly transformed the modern toy industry with a variety of dolls that feature over 180 different careers. A number of variations of collectible Barbies are highly sought-after and collected by individuals across the globe today.

Most Expensive Barbies Ever Sold

The most expensive Barbie ever sold, although not vintage, was fashioned by designer Stefani Canturi in 2010. The doll featured emerald-cut Australian pink diamonds and three carats of glittering white diamonds. The Barbie was sold for $302,500 at an auction organized to raise money for Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The chart below lists other Barbies that have sold for lofty price tags; some vintage and some issued in the last decade, created by prominent designers within the fashion world.

Barbie Year Released Price
Stefano Canturi Barbie 2010 $302,500
De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie 1999 $85,000
Original Barbie 1959 $27,450
Pink Diamond Barbie 2013 $15,000
Lorraine Schwartz 2010 $7,500
#2 Brunette Ponytail Barbie 1959 $6,710
#1 Wonderful Blonde 1959 $6,600
Marie Antoinette Barbie 2003 $1,250
Devi Kroell Barbie 2010 $1,075
Pink Splendor Barbie 1996 $900

Types of Vintage Barbie Dolls

Since the release of the very first model, a wide variety of Barbie dolls have been created by the designers at Mattel, pursuing new offerings and opportunities. Each new model was designed to appeal to different markets, focusing on contemporary fashion trends that defined each decade. These fashion trends, coupled with each doll’s unique, defining characteristics help collectors identify types of Barbie dolls today.

Vintage Barbie dolls are grouped by “The Vintage Era” and “The Mod Era.” The first were different variations of vintage Barbie ponytail dolls, but other more glamorous versions emerged as the years went on.

The Vintage Era (1959–1966)

  • 1959

    #1 and #2 Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls

    These were the original Barbies, introduced to the world on March 9, 1959. That first year, over 350,000 were made. Version #1 and #2 were more or less the same model, with the only difference being variations in the design of the legs. The first had copper tubes in her legs with holes in her feet to fit the stand, while the second did not feature tubes or holes, but had a wire stand instead.

    These models donned a zebra swimsuit, had big eyes with white irises, heavy black makeup, gold hoop earrings, and red lips and blush. They were only available in blonde and brunette and are considered the most valuable Barbie doll since they were the first and original models made.

  • 1960

    #3 Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls

    Vintage Barbie dolls from #3 to #7 had slight variations that help determine the year in which they were produced. The #3 model still only came as blonde or brunette, but now had blue eyes with either blue or brown eyeliner. The doll still wore the original black and white zebra bathing suit, but offered the option of wearing either gold hoops or pearl stud earrings. She also featured white sunglasses with blue lenses and black open toe heels. Some even displayed braided ponytails.

  • 1960

    #4 Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls

    The main difference of this doll compared to its earlier counterparts is that #4 was the first to be made with a vinyl that retained color and reduced fading. The doll was still only available in blonde or brunette, but now had a hard curl at the end the ponytail. Some had factory-braided ponytails as well.

  • 1961

    #5 Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls

    The #5 ponytail doll was the first available with three different hair styles. Buyers could purchase one with blonde, brunette, or titian which was a hue of red. These dolls had subtler face paint and a tan-hued vinyl that left their faces looking shinier. It was the first year Barbies had a hollow body with the registered trademark, Barbie®. Those with hollow bodies tended to have more rigid body parts that weren’t as easily bendable.

  • 1962-1964

    #6 and #7 Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls

    Often, #6 and #7 dolls are considered interchangeable and simply referred to as “#6s.” These dolls, mass-produced between 1962 and 1964, were the first to have the name “Midge” as a part of their markings and included the word “patented.” They featured larger neck knobs with fuller-looking faces and “watermelon” colored lips and nails as opposed to the stark red lips of earlier models. They were also the first to have various shades of blonde hair and a slightly darker brunette, rather than black. They wore red open-toe heels and a red jersey swimsuit. #7 was soon replaced by the Swirl Ponytail doll in 1964.

  • 1961-1967

    Vintage Barbie Bubblecut Dolls

    These dolls had a new look inspired by Jackie Kennedy, one of the most prolific style icons of the 1960s. Vintage Barbie Bubblecut dolls are characterized by a short hairstyle referred to as a “bubblecut,” which progressively became fuller over the years.

  • 1963

    Fashion Queen Barbie

    These Barbies featured molded, painted hair with three interchangeable wigs: a red flip style, brunette pageboy, and blonde bubble. They wore gold-and-white striped, strapless swimsuits with matching turbans. In 2010, Mattel issued a Fashion Queen Reproduction as part of the My Favorite Barbie series.

  • 1964

    The “swirl” refers to the hairstyle that replaced Barbie’s previous bangs. For collectors, these are some of the most highly prized and sought after models. These dolls are among Barbie’s most glamorous early models, and remained this way until Barbie went Mod in 1967.

  • 1965-1966

    American Girl Barbie

    Perhaps the pinnacle of Barbie’s glamour is most evident in the American Girl Barbie. Her 1600 series ensembles are some of the most elegant and coveted by collectors. Thus, they are highly valuable. These Barbies had bendable legs and a fashionable new hairstyle in the form of a chin-length, sleek bob. They donned heavier, brighter makeup and had a variety of colorful features.

  • 1966

    Color Magic Barbie

    These Barbies were released in limited runs, and because they’re difficult to come by, they’re often very expensive and rare. These vividly colorful models came with Golden Blonde or Midnight Black hair that changed to Scarlet Flame or Ruby Red when a solution was applied.

The Mod Era (1967–1972)

  • 1967-1968

    Barbie Twist ‘n Turn (TNT)

    This is the first Barbie that started the Mod era and received a total makeover from previous vintage models. Often referred to as “TNT” Barbies because of their twistable heads, these dolls had rooted eyelashes, bendable legs, waists that turned in various directions, and changeable clothes.

    Brunette Twist ‘N Turn Barbie in “Plush Pony.” Sold for $100 via McMasters Harris Appletree Doll Auctions (January 2010).

  • 1967-1970

    Standard Barbie Doll

    These Barbies became the new standard, offering a fresh face that featured painted eyelashes rather than the previously rooted ones, blue eyes, and pink lips. This would remain a constant for future models to come.

  • 1968-1971

    Talking Barbie

    Talking Barbies came in three different variations of hair and clothing. They were the first to feature individual, divided fingers. They spoke when a string was pulled at the back of the neck. Though most no longer talk, if you can find one that does, it’s considered extremely rare and valuable.

    Two Brunette Talking Barbie dolls

    Two vintage Talking Barbie Dolls, new in box. Sold for $420 via RB Fine Arts (November 2020).

  • 1969-1971

    Flip Hair Barbie

    Drawing inspiration from popular trends, the Flip Hair Barbie is thought to be modeled after Marlo Thomas who starred in the hit TV show “That Girl” during this period. They are often referred to as “TNT Flip,” “TNT Marlo,” or “TNT Marlo Flip” dolls.

  • 1970

    Dramatic New Living Barbie

    These Mod Barbies featured bendable elbows, ankles, and knees and also swiveled at the waist, legs, neck, arms, and hands.

    Dramatic New Living Barbie in Original Body Suit and Jacket. Sold for $60 via McMasters Harris Appletree Doll Auctions (March 2013).

  • 1971-1972

    Barbie with Growin’ Pretty Hair

    This model came with two wigs and a retractable ponytail. The wig options included tiny loop braids and long, ringlet curls. This doll also featured extras like a brush, comb, and other hair accessories.

  • 1971–1972

    Live Action Barbie

    Considered a “hippie” version of Barbie, the Live Action model came with a stage and fringe-lined clothing.

    Live Action Christie. Sold for $110 via Apple Tree Auction Center (March 2014).

  • 1971

    Living Barbie

    This Barbie evolved from the Dramatic New Living Barbie, simply shortening the name. She featured new outfits and makeup styles.

  • 1971–1977

    Sunset Malibu Barbie

    This Barbie was extremely popular throughout the 1970s as it represented the idea of summer vacation. The doll came with pink sunglasses, a bathing suit, and towel with a bronzed skin tone.

  • 1971

    Barbie Hair Happenin

    Because this Barbie was only produced for a short, brief period, it is extremely rare and sells at a premium price. She features red hair and dons a short sleeve, peasant-style blouse with a thick, black belt, and pink ruffled skirt.

  • 1972

    Busy Barbie

    This is the first Barbie made with bendable thumbs that enabled her to grab her accessories easily.

  • 1972

    Busy Talking Barbie

    The Busy Talking Barbie had all the same accessories of the Busy Barbie model, but featured more colorful variations. She mostly had blonde, chin-length hair with bangs.

    Talking Busy Barbie. Sold for $210 via Mebane Antique Auction (April 2017).

  • 1972

    Walk Lively Barbie

    This Barbie was made to “walk” when placed in her Walk ‘n Turn stand that would automatically move her head and arms back and forth. She featured blue eyes and shoulder-length, blonde hair.

Vintage Barbie Dolls Value Guide

By far, the easiest way to determine the value of a Barbie is by identifying the version and time period in which the doll was produced. You can do this by easily referencing clothing, hair styles, and colors using the guide above. While some, depending upon the rarity, might only be worth a couple hundred dollars, others that weren’t produced in large quantities can be worth thousands of dollars. Below are some general ways to identify a Barbie’s value.

How to Identify Your Barbie

Markings

Primarily, Barbie doll markings are found on the right side hip. Any other markings on the back, inside of arms, and inside thigh were used by the manufacturer for assembly, and do not reflect the date of issue. The trademark date is the first date of patent or copyright.

Barbie ponytail dolls numbered 1 through 4 all have the same mark: Barbie ™. Barbie ponytail dolls 5 through 6 are marked with “Barbie ®.” You’ll also find markings such as “Midge T.M.,” “Patented,” and other additions as the decades progressed.

Feet

Often, the bottom of a Barbie doll’s feet will offer clues as to which decade it’s from. The first ponytail Barbies had holes in the bottom of their feet. Barbies were made in Japan from 1959 to 1972 and have “Made in Japan” or “Japan” stamped on the bottom of their feet. After that, they were mostly created in Mexico, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. Those made in one of these areas are not considered vintage. Use these distinguishing factors to place your doll within a specific time frame.

Hands

Similar to feet, hands evolved as Barbies continued to be manufactured. Earlier vintage dolls used Barbie mold for hands, which gave them divided fingers. After 1968, fingers weren’t completed divided. The hands vary from doll to doll, so study the fingers and materials used to get a better grasp on a model’s scarcity.

Hair

Hair color and style are big determinants of a doll’s value and price. Compare standard blondes, brunettes, color magic, platinum, and other variations of hair pigment. Check to see if your doll has factory braids, side bangs, etc. It’s also important to note that many collectors re-root Barbie’s hair to their specifications. Below are some defining characteristics of the most valued vintage Barbies’ hairstyles:

  • Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls #1 through #4 came in only blonde or brunette, so if your Ponytail Doll features red hair, she is a #5, #6, or #7. These later Ponytail Dolls’ bangs were also a more wiry material instead of the softer “poodle” bangs that came before 1961.
  • From 1964 on, Swirl Ponytails had a sweep of hair coming over the forehead and wrapping around a knot on top, rather than the curly bangs that preceded it. Ash blonde and platinum hues were added into the mix.
  • Bubblecut Barbies in the mid-1960s had side-parted hair with a “thatched” part that was difficult to unpart.
  • After 1965, American Girls appeared with pageboy hairdos.
  • Throughout the early 1970s, we saw trendy hairstyles hit the market like Color Magic Barbie’s straight, sleeker hairdo.

Neck Knob

Interestingly enough, the neck knob can be an extremely helpful characteristic when identifying your doll. Many of the later ponytail doll models have larger neck knobs and fuller faces than earlier dolls.

Abbreviations

Vendors often describe Barbies using specific abbreviations. Here are some common abbreviations that collectors should know:

  • NRFB: “never removed from box””
  • NMIB: “near mint in box”
  • OOB: “out of box”
  • A/O: “all original”
  • TLC: “this item has seen better days”

There’s no denying the success that followed Barbie’s inception in 1959. As the best-selling toy in history, it has attracted the likes of children and nostalgia-seeking collectors alike. In fact, today, three Barbies are sold every second. For those looking to expand their vintage Barbie collection, remember to look for dolls that are unique in features. Understanding Mattel markings and other identifiable characteristics can help collectors spot some truly rare and special finds in the market today.

Sources | ThoughtCo. | My Vintage Barbies | Good House Keeping | Fashion Doll Guide | Collectors Weekly | Elite Readers

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