These Collectible Dolls Are Now Worth a Fortune
If you have a decades-old Barbie or Star Wars action figure, you’d better hope it’s in good condition because it might be worth a pretty penny. The collectible doll market is huge, and serious buyers are willing to part with some serious cash to get their hands on the most sought-after models.
In some cases, we’re talking seven-figure sums. Let’s just say, these most valuable dolls aren’t something you’d want your kids fighting over during playtime.
50. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figurines
Price tag: $150
Bottom Line: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figurines
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” debuted in the late 1980s and was an instant classic that remains popular to this day.
The collectible Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo action figures in mint condition can earn anything from $125 to $200 on eBay.
49. Blue Snaggletooth
Price tag: Up to $350
Bottom Line: Blue Snaggletooth
"Star Wars" fans will remember that Snaggletooth was the annoying jerk who tried to bully Luke Skywalker at the Mos Eisley cantina before Ben Kenobi helped him out. The thing about Snaggletooth, though, is he was very much not blue.
This Kenner toy was produced before the company had even seen a rough cut of “A New Hope.” Once they realized the error, Snaggletooth was recreated to match his onscreen version, but a few lucky collectors managed to get the blue version.
48. Sand People Figurine (1978)
Price tag: $450
Bottom Line: Sand People Figurine (1978)
The Sand People in “Star Wars” are easily startled, according to Obi-Wan. Perhaps that’s why one of these unopened figurines can earn you almost $500.
But if it’s already been taken out of the package, the price plummets to a measly $25.
47. Devi Kroell Barbie
Price tag: $1,075
Bottom Line: Devi Kroell Barbie
It’s all about the accessories on the Devi Kroell Barbie. New York-based designer Devi Kroell is known for her high-end handbags and purses, and her Barbie creation is one of a kind.
The Devi Kroell Barbie was sold at a charity auction for the Council of Fashion Designers in 2010. Check out those golden boots!
46. Marie Antoinette Barbie
Price tag: $1,250
Bottom Line: Marie Antoinette Barbie
More a work of art than a doll, the Marie Antoinette Barbie is based on the former Queen of France, the last monarch before the French Revolution.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a princess, this doll — with its blue satin shoes, luxe dress, golden locks and porcelain roses — is for you. If you can afford the $1,250 price tag, that is.
45. 'Titch' Hecla Teddy Bear
Price tag: $1,250.07
Bottom Line: 'Titch' Hecla Teddy Bear
This teddy bear was created by Hecla in 1907.
At only 11.5-inches tall, he’s as cuddly as they come.
44. Calvin Klein Barbie
Price tag: $1,414
Bottom Line: Calvin Klein Barbie
Calvin Klein Barbie, released in 1996, is decked out in double denim, white sneakers and, of course, the iconic brand logo.
Believe it or not, this doll even comes with Calvin Klein underwear. In mint condition, this doll can earn thousands of dollars.
43. Coach Barbie
Price tag: $1,500
Bottom Line: Coach Barbie
In 2013, Coach Barbie was released as part of the Gold Label. Similar to Calvin Klein Barbie, Coach Barbie was an ode to the Coach brand. She comes with a duffel bag made of genuine leather — a first for Barbie — that was made in a Coach handbag factory.
The doll must include all three of the original Coach bag accessories to earn this price tag.
42. Bruin Steiff Teddy Bear
Price tag: $1,666.76
Bottom Line: Bruin Steiff Teddy Bear
This 12-inch Bruin Steiff teddy bear is a lot newer than several of the dolls on this list, and his velvety brown mohair is in perfect condition.
Even though his squeaker doesn't work anymore, this circa-1940s bear was practically flawless when he sold for the $1,666.76 price tag.
41. Snoopy Astronaut
Price tag: $2,062
Bottom Line: Snoopy Astronaut
The Peanuts comics are beloved around the world, and the Snoopy Astronaut doll was one that became especially popular in the 1960s.
Today, the collectible astronaut figurine sells for about $600 on eBay, but a mint condition one can go for more than $2,000, per this item listed on Heritage Auctions.
39. Aqua Queen of the Prom Barbie (Tie)
Price tag: $2,500
Bottom Line: Aqua Queen of the Prom Barbie (Tie)
If you haven’t realized by now, Barbie is kind of a big deal. The Aqua Queen of The Prom Barbie is currently being sold on eBay for $2,500.
One of only 30 in existence, the Collector’s Edition doll was created for the 2001 National Barbie Doll Convention. She must have remained boxed and untouched to earn this price tag.
39. Han Solo 'Small Head' figure (1980) (Tie)
Price tag: $2,500
Bottom Line: Han Solo “Small Head” figure (1980) (Tie)
Here’s another example of a flaw creating some serious value. In this case, Han Solo’s head was made slightly too small for his toy body.
This figure was launched to coincide with “The Empire Strikes Back,” but Kenner quickly realized the mistake and replaced him with a more proportional one.
37. James Dudley Cabbage Patch Kid (Tie)
Price tag: $3,000
Bottom Line: James Dudley Cabbage Patch Kid (Tie)
One of the most popular toy brands in the 1980s, vintage Cabbage Patch Kids do well at auction. These dolls are known for their original features and fabrications, come in different ethnicities and appeal to both boys and girls.
If you have a James Dudley Cabbage Patch Kid from 1985 that’s still in its box, you could get up to $3,000 for it.
37. Volland Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls (Tie)
Price tag: $3,000
Bottom Line: Volland Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls (Tie)
The famous Volland Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls are more than 100 years old — they were copyrighted in 1915.
Known for their cardboard hearts and red hair (although some were made with dark hair), they can fetch up to $3,000 at auction if they’re in impeccable condition.
36. American Girl Kirsten Larson
Price tag: $3,210
Bottom Line: American Girl Kirsten Larson
One of the original American Girl dolls, Kirsten Larson was released in 1986. After she retired in 2010, her value went through the roof.
The first in a series of historical dolls, Kirsten Larson was based on a Swedish immigrant living in Minnesota. She’s been seen on eBay with a starting bid of $3,210.
35. Bing Clockwork Teddy Bear
Price tag: $4,416
Bottom Line: Bing Clockwork Teddy Bear
Bing was one of the original teddy bear manufacturers. This version, created in 1909, had a distinct design that featured claws and a pronounced face.
At nearly 20 inches, this valuable teddy was sold at auction in 2007.
34. Karl Lagerfeld Barbie
Price tag: $6,000
Bottom Line: Karl Lagerfeld Barbie
The late, legendary Karl Lagerfeld inspired the design of this incredibly stylish Barbie. She rocks a black tuxedo suit, boots, sunglasses and thick eyebrows (of course).
Designed by Robert Best under the Platinum Label in 2014, no detail has been missed, from the leather purse to the fingerless gloves. If you have a Karl Lagerfeld Barbie in its original packaging, it could fetch up to $6,000.
33. Steiff Karl Lagerfeld Teddy Bear
Price tag: $7,000
Bottom Line: Steiff Karl Lagerfeld Teddy Bear
We just mentioned the Karl Lagerfeld Barbie, but this teddy bear is even more valuable. Steiff toymaker and artist-designer Karl Lagerfeld got together in 2008 to create this teddy version of Lagerfeld with similar signature elements — cool shades, a black suit and a “KL” monogrammed belt.
Only 2,500 were created, originally selling for $1,500 a piece. Now, they are listed on eBay for up to $7,000.
32. Lorraine Schwartz Barbie
Price tag: $7,500
Bottom Line: Lorraine Schwartz Barbie
Another extra special Barbie was designed by Lorraine Schwartz, a famous New York City jewelry designer whose creations have adorned the likes of Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.
When it went to auction in 2010, this doll sold for $7,500 — which was actually a bargain, as the jewelry alone (diamond earrings and bracelets, a “B” pendant and diamond-trimmed heels) was valued at $25,000.
31. Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Teddy Bear
Price tag: $9,000
Bottom Line: Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Teddy Bear
The limited-edition Louis Vuitton monogrammed teddy bear is the only teddy bear ever made by the French luxury retail company. Released in 2004, it’s covered in the Louis Vuitton logo and wears a cowhide leather collar.
Only 500 of this bear were produced, and its going rate is a whopping $9,000.
30. Gund Snuffles Teddy Bear
Price tag: $10,000
Bottom Line: Gund Snuffles Teddy Bear
What’s not to love about this cute little bear, which debuted at the 2010 American International Toy Fair?
This extra-special version of Gund’s Snuffles teddy bear is decked out in a 10-carat diamond necklace, white alpaca fur and Tahitian black pearl eyes.
29. Teal Blue English Farnell Teddy Bear
Price tag: $11,000
Bottom Line: Teal Blue English Farnell Teddy Bear
When toy company Farnell made a teal blue teddy bear in the 1920s, it stood out in a sea of regular orange and brown bears.
One of the teal blue bears went to auction at Sotheby’s and sold for $11,000, despite the fact that it wasn’t in mint condition.
27. Mego Elastic Batman (Tie)
Price tag: $15,000
Bottom Line: Mego Elastic Batman (Tie)
Only two Mego Elastic Batman dolls are known to exist, after toy company Kenner sued Mego for the product being too similar to their “Stretch Armstrong” line.
As such, one Mego Elastic Batman sold for $15,000 at a 2006 auction.
27. Pink Diamond Barbie (Tie)
Price tag: $15,000
Bottom Line: Pink Diamond Barbie (Tie)
Phillipe and David Blond of The Blonds (a luxury NYC-based apparel brand) designed a Pink Diamond Barbie, who made her entrance during New York Fashion Week in spring 2013.
She was later auctioned off to raise funds for the MAC Aids Fund organization, adding $15,000 to the pot.
26. Barbie in Midnight Red
Price tag: $17,091
Bottom Line: Barbie in Midnight Red
This 1965 Barbie was one of 4,000 dolls auctioned at Christie's in 2006.
She sold to an anonymous woman for $17,091 and became the most expensive plastic doll to be sold at auction.
25. Signed Bebe Mothereau Doll
Price tag: $18,500
Bottom Line: Signed Bebe Mothereau Doll
Bebe Mothereau dolls are valuable due to their age and rarity (they were created by French doll maker Alexandre Mothereau in the 1800s, and only a small number of the dolls were produced over 15 years), but only a signed model could reach a price tag of $18,500.
Bebe Mothereau is recognizable for her strange proportions. She has wooden upper limbs and rounded-joint lower limbs, thin torsos, and small hands and feet.
24. Life-Sized Megumi Kato
Price tag: $19,600
Bottom Line: Life-Sized Megumi Kato
If the idea of a life-sized doll doesn’t creep you out, the Aniplex Megumi Kato might hold a certain appeal. But you’ll need to start saving, because this 5-foot-plus doll is one of the most expensive of any anime figurine line.
It’s also one of the most exclusive — only 10 exist.
23. G.I. Joe Manimals Vortex Figure
Price tag: $20,000
Bottom Line: G.I. Joe Manimals Vortex Figure
Part of the G.I. Joe Star Brigade collection, the Manimals line was canceled even before it made it to stores. There are six figurines to collect: Spasma, Vortex, Zig Zag, Iguanus, Slythor and Warwolf.
The figurines pop up on eBay from time to time — Vortex sold there for a jaw-dropping $20,000.
22. Vinyl Cape Jawa
Price tag: $24,000
Bottom Line: Vinyl Cape Jawa
When Kenner decided to replace the vinyl robe on its Jawa doll with a cloth one, the vinyl version became a rarity.
As a Star Wars figurine collectible, it can fetch top dollar at auction — up to $24,000.
20. Luke Skywalker With Double-Telescoping Lightsaber (1978) (Tie)
Price tag: $25,000
Bottom Line: Luke Skywalker With Double-Telescoping Lightsaber (1978) (Tie)
Star Wars fans do not mess around. This early version of a Luke Skywalker figurine included a “double-telescoping” lightsaber. However, it wasn’t capable of extending properly from Luke’s tiny hand, so toymaker Kenner reconfigured the lightsaber for future versions of the toy.
This rare version can be sold for a measly $25,000.
20. Original Superman Action Figure (Tie)
Price tag: $25,000
Bottom Line: Original Superman Action Figure (Tie)
Anything with the “original” tag is a big deal in the collectible world. In this case, the Superman figurine was the first to be produced and licensed by the Ideal Toy Company in 1939.
It may even be the first superhero action figure of all time, which explains the $25,000 price tag.
19. Mint Condition Original Barbie
Price tag: $27,450
Bottom Line: Mint Condition Original Barbie
Barbie was born in 1959, wearing a black and white bathing suit, and had golden hair and blue eyeshadow. It’s normal for a rare, vintage Barbie doll to sell for $8,000, but one in mint condition sold for $27,450.
According to The Richest, first edition Barbies have tiny holes on the bottoms of their feet.
18. Darth Vader With Telescoping Lightsaber
Price tag: $30,000
Bottom Line: Darth Vader With Telescoping Lightsaber
This Darth Vader figurine had a similar error as the previously mentioned Luke Skywalker one.
As you might guess, if authenticated, this version of Lord Vader and his telescoping saber can earn you $30,000.
17. Michael Lau Gardener Uncle
Price tag: $35,000
Bottom Line: Michael Lau Gardener Uncle
Created by award-winning Chinese artist Michael Lau, Gardener Uncle is a character from an East Touch magazine comic strip.
Only a few Gardener Uncles (which come with a grocery bag and skateboard) have been made, which explains the hefty price tag.
16. Marina Bychkova (Enchanted Doll)
Price tag: $42,473.41
Bottom Line: Marina Bychkova (Enchanted Doll)
It takes Canadian artist Marina Bychkova between 150 and 300 hours to create each of her magical dolls. Every detail is done by hand, from the detailed outfits to the painted bodies.
The Bychkova doll (aka “Daphne in Disguise” or “The Mystery of the Venetian Carnival”) sold at auction for $42,473.41.
15. Brazilian Glasslite Vlix Figure (1988)
Price tag: $45,000
Bottom Line: Brazilian Glasslite Vlix Figure (1988)
The short-lived animated show “Droids” was a "Star Wars" spinoff that failed to gain much traction with audiences.
The show was canceled as well as any promotional toys that went along with it, but toymaker Glasslite briefly picked up the “Droids” toy rights and released this Vlix figure — only sold in Brazil. Needless to say, it’s quite the collector’s item.
14. Princess Diana Beanie Baby
Price tag: $50,000
Bottom Line: Princess Diana Beanie Baby
When the Princess Diana Beanie Baby was released in 1997 (the year she died), you could purchase it for between $5 and $7. But stores were only allowed to purchase and sell a few at a time, so people started to believe that it was a limited-edition doll.
The price skyrocketed, and there was at least one confirmed purchase of a set of three bears on eBay for $50,000. Note that this seller now hopes to get more than $700,000 for their last remaining set of three. Good luck to them!
13. Steiff Dicky Bear
Price tag: $53,803
Bottom Line: Steiff Dicky Bear
Steiff teddy bears may have been lower-priced in the 1930s due to the economic difficulties of the time, but in modern times these five-way jointed bears have brought in big bucks at auction.
One of the bears sold for $53,803 at Christie’s in London.
12. Obi-Wan Kenobi With Double-Telescoping Lightsaber (1977)
Price tag: $76,700
Bottom Line: Obi-Wan Kenobi With Double-Telescoping Lightsaber (1977)
This Obi-Wan “Ben” Kenobi toy from 1977 is rare because he just happens to be sporting a yellow telescoping lightsaber.
Any true fan knows that Obi-Wan’s saber was blue — so this little error is one that can get you some serious money if you happen to own it.
11. Blue Ivy’s Barbie Doll
Price tag: $80,000
Bottom Line: Blue Ivy’s Barbie Doll
When your parents are Beyoncé and Jay-Z, you can expect big things for your birthday. So, it’s perhaps no surprise that their firstborn, daughter Blue Ivy, was gifted a custom-made, diamond-encrusted Barbie for her first birthday in 2013.
The $80,000 doll was embellished with 160 gems and white gold jewelry.
10. De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie
Price tag: $85,000
Bottom Line: De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie
Barbie loves a jewelry collaboration, and in the late 1990s, she teamed up with De Beers for a 40th anniversary doll. She dressed for the occasion in an evening gown, which was accessorized with a diamond-encrusted belt and white gold jewelry.
The De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie was released in 1999 and is considered to be worth around $85,000.
9. Barbie and the Diamond Castle
Price tag: $94,800
Bottom Line: Barbie and the Diamond Castle
A special Barbie was made to promote the movie “Barbie and the Diamond Castle,” and although she was never for sale, her value has been estimated at almost $95,000.
Introduced in Mexico City, she has 318 diamonds on her dress and white gold accessories to reflect the main theme of the movie.
8. Steiff Titanic Mourning Bear
Price tag: $136,000
Bottom Line: Steiff Titanic Mourning Bear
Only around 500 Steiff Titanic Mourning Bears are in existence. They were created in the immediate aftermath of the Titanic sinking in 1912 and sold out quickly.
When a 19-inch Titanic Mourning Bear with its Steiff button and tag still intact went to auction, it sold for $136,000.
7. Rocket Launcher Boba Fett
Price tag: $150,000
Bottom Line: Rocket Launcher Boba Fett
This Boba Fett with a rocket launcher backpack sold at an eBay auction for a price of $150,000.
We told you Star Wars fans were the real deal.
6. Steiff & Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear
Price tag: $182,550
Bottom Line: Steiff & Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear
The world’s most expensive teddy bear was a joint creation from Steiff and luxury- brand Louis Vuitton. It was bought by Jessie Kim, a well-known collector, at a Moncao charity auction in 2000 for a reported $182,550, according to the Guiness Book of World Records. (However, some sources report it sold for $2.1 million.)
The bear currently resides at Korea’s Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju, where visitors can get a close look at his miniature Louis Vuitton suitcase.
5. Original G.I. Joe
Price tag: $200,000
Bottom Line: Original G.I. Joe
When a G.I. Joe figurine went for sale on eBay in 2003, it sold for $200,000. But it was no regular G.I. Joe — this one was a prototype, made in 1936.
Its price tag makes it more valuable than other rare figurines, like Cobra Commander.
4. Barbie by Stefano Canturi
Price tag: $302,000
Bottom Line: Barbie by Stefano Canturi
The world’s most expensive Barbie doll in history, the Barbie by Stefano Canturi (also known as Diamond Barbie) was created by internationally renowned jewelry designer Stefano Canturi over a period of six months. Diamond Barbie wears a diamond Cubism necklace consisting of a circle of white diamonds around a one-carat Australian Argyle pink diamond, plus a Canturi diamond ring on her tiny finger.
She sold for $302,000 in 2010 at an auction at Christie’s in New York City, with all proceeds donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
3. Kämmer & Reinhardt Character Doll
Price tag: $400,000
Bottom Line: Kämmer & Reinhardt Character Doll
Looks-wise, it may be at the opposite end of the scale to Diamond Barbie, but one Kämmer & Reinhardt character doll is worth even more than the priciest, most blinged-up Barbie.
K&R dolls come from 1800s Germany, which makes them super rare. One of them, portraying a young girl in the early 1900s, sold for $400,000 at auction.
2. Madame Alexander Eloise
Price tag: $5 million
Bottom Line: Madame Alexander Eloise
Only five Madame Alexander Eloise dolls, named after the designer, exist in the world. Madame Alexander made the dolls by hand and dressed them in the very best, from labels like Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta and Katherine Baumann.
Eloise is also embellished with Swarovski crystals and nine-carat diamonds, and comes with her own pet dog.
1. L'Oiseleur (The Bird Trainer)
Price tag: $6.25 million
Bottom Line: L'Oiseleur (The Bird Trainer)
The Bird Trainer is much more than a doll. For starters, it stands 4-feet tall and consists of more than 2,000 different metal parts. It also comes accessorized with a sword, flute, pair of singing birds and embroidered Renaissance garb.
But that’s not all. When you wind him up with his golden key, The Bird Trainer plays on his flute, his eyes dart around, and the birds sing and sway to the music. Created in a Swiss workshop by a team of craftsmen led by Chris Bailly, it has a price tag of $6.25 million.
Related:Most Expensive Barbie Dolls