Most Valuable Barbie Dolls Ever Made

These Barbie dolls are worth a fortune.

Most Valuable Barbie Dolls Ever Made

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.

These are the most valuable Barbie dolls. They are worth a combined total of about $1 million — often due to limited edition jewelry or exclusive collaborations that resulted in the doll’s design. Yes, that’s a lot of Barbie.

85. Totally Hair 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 sold worldwide.

This doll, circa 1992, is now for sale on eBay for upward of $160. Along with her Rapunzel-style hair, she came with accessories like brushes and styling gel.

84. Bob Mackie Starlight Splendor Barbie

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.

83. Ferrari Barbie

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.

82. Monique Lhuillier Bride Barbie (Gold Label)

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.

81. Barbie as Athena

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.

66. Toujours Couture 2008 Silkstone Barbie Doll (Tie)

Price tag: $500

This posh Barbie hails from the Barbie Fashion Model Collection. The French-inspired design is all black and white, with braided accents and exquisite Parisian tailoring. The doll itself wears her hair in a sleek updo for a modern touch.

This 2008 Gold Label Barbie sold on eBay for $500 in new, unopened condition.

66. Mattel Star Wars Chewbacca x Barbie Doll (Tie)

Price tag: $500

Mattel has teamed up with numerous movie franchises over the years, so it's only natural that they released a Star Wars collection. It's hard to believe that Chewbacca could be fashionable, but this 2019 Platinum Label Barbie doll proved us wrong.

She probably would have sold for even more had her box not been slightly creased.

66. Grace Kelly The Romance Silkstone Barbie Doll (Tie)

Price tag: $500

Grace Kelly was a refined mid-century American actress who later became the princess of Monaco when she married Prince Rainier III in the 1950s. She was so elegant and poised that it was only a matter of time before Barbie immortalized her signature style.

This Grace Kelly doll looks almost just like the famous actress, complete with a demure, floral print dress, black pumps, white gloves, sunglasses and a pearl necklace.

66. Barbie Kawaii Party Madrid MFDS Convention Doll 2018 (Tie)

Price tag: $500

If you're looking for exclusive, it doesn't get much more exclusive than this. This Kawaii-themed Barbie doll was offered at a convention in 2018, but here's the catch: Only 15 dolls were ever made.

She featured green eyes and curly red hair, unlike most other Barbies who tend to be brunettes or blondes. The 12-inch doll was sold new in its original box for an impressive $500.

66. Barbie Platinum Label Yves Saint Laurent Safari Jacket Doll 2018 (Tie)

Price tag: $500

We had no idea safari chic was a thing, but this Yves Saint Laurent Barbie pulls it off. With practical boots, shorts and a designer safari jacket, Barbie is ready for a trek through the wilderness.

It's best for your wallet if you keep her safe in her box, however, since she won't hold her value if she's covered in mud.

66. The Blonds Blond Diamond Barbie Gold Label (Tie)

Price tag: $500

The Blonds, an international fashion company, teamed up with Mattel to design the Blond Diamond Gold Label Barbie back in 2011. Only 7,300 were produced worldwide.

The doll exudes wealth from head to toe, from her jewel-encrusted mini dress and matching silver heels to her flowing fur cape. Collectors also need to be pretty wealthy themselves if they hope to scoop one of these exclusive dolls up.

66. BFMC Tribute 2010 Silkstone Barbie Doll (Tie)

Price tag: $500

We'd never have expected $500 to seem like a great deal, but for a doll like this 2010 Gold Label Fashion Model Collection Barbie, it's a steal.

They usually sell for hundreds more, but this one sold on eBay for $500 because of some water damage on the box.

66. Barbie Signature Dia De Los Muertos Doll (Tie)

Price tag: $500

Made in 2019 to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos, a traditional Mexican celebration, this Black Label collector's edition highlighted Hispanic culture with authentic face paint and a dress with detailed, three-dimensional butterflies.

The doll would have been worth even more had it not been played with, and it still sold for several hundred dollars.

66. Silkstone Barbie the Stewardess (Tie)

Price tag: $500

A throwback to the days when flight attendants were known as stewardesses, this 2006 Barbie doll was designed by Robert Best to immortalize the signature air hostess style.

With a polished navy pencil skirt and a matching jacket, plus Mary Janes and netted stockings, stewardess Barbie looks sleek and professional.

She's also very hard to find.

66. Maiko Barbie Doll (Tie)

Price tag: $500

Throughout the years, Mattel has tried to represent many cultures from around the world. This traditional Japanese Maiko Barbie from 2006 celebrates the fashion and beauty of Japanese geishas. Her kimono was designed with care, featuring several layers of fabric.

She's one of the more historically accurate Barbies, with a striking attention to detail. Only 6,400 Maiko Barbies were made worldwide.

66. Silkstone Barbie Prima Ballerina (Tie)

Price tag: $500

This ballerina Silkstone Barbie doll is one that any little girl would love to play with, but considering she's worth hundreds, she's probably best kept in a display case.

Made in 2009, this Barbie featured a modern take on a vintage Barbie ballerina costume. While she was never removed from the box, the box itself had a little wear and tear.

Still, the glamorous dancer sold for $500, complete with ballet slippers, a tiara and a Nutcracker program.

66. Holiday Hostess Haunt Barbie (Tie)

Price tag: $500

In addition to numerous Christmas-themed Barbies, Mattel also made Barbie dolls for other holidays. The Halloween Haunt Barbie was a Gold Label Fan Club Exclusive released in 2011.

With a festive, pumpkin orange dress decked out in black stars and cats, plus a matching black witch hat, the spookish and stylish Barbie is highly sought after among serious collectors.

66. Pink Splendor Barbie (Tie)

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.

66. Queen Elizabeth I Barbie (Tie)

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.

66. 1998 Happy Holidays Barbie (Tie)

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.

65. Pink Jubilee Barbie

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.

64. 1996 Happy Holidays Barbie

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.

63. Midnight Tuxedo Barbie

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.

62. Dahlia Barbie

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.

61. The Glory of the ’80s Barbie

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.

60. 'Sales Resistance' I Love Lucy Barbie

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 that was broadcast in 1953. The plot synopsis involved Lucy purchasing an expensive vacuum cleaner after seeing an ad on TV.

59. Devi Kroell Barbie

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.

58. Empress Josephine Barbie

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.

57. Chataine Barbie

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.

56. Marie Antoinette Barbie

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.

55. Barbie Color Magic

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.

54. Trace of Lace Barbie

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.

53. La Belle Epoque Barbie

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 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.

52. Escada Barbie

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.

51. Calvin Klein Barbie

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.

50. Barbie Haunted Beauty Zombie Bride

Price tag: $1,450

When you think of a Barbie doll, blue eyes, blonde hair and a bubble gum outfit are probably what you picture. Collector's edition Barbie's come in all varieties, however, including this hauntingly beautiful Zombie Bride Barbie.

Made in 2015 by designer Bill Greening, she was only ever removed from her shipping box for photos and was never removed from her original plastic packaging. The seller even wore latex gloves while handling the box to preserve its impeccable condition.

49. Coach Barbie

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.

48. Faerie Queen Barbie

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.

47. Happy Holidays 10th Anniversary Special Edition Barbie

Price tag: $1,500

The Happy Holidays Special Edition 10th Anniversary Barbie Doll was a Hallmark exclusive made in the 1990s.

There were several Christmas-themed Barbie dolls made over the years, but this one came with long, thick, black hair as well as a red, white and gold gown and an intricate crown.

46. Celebration 2000 Barbie

Price tag: $1,500

While Celebration Barbie isn't the first holiday-themed Barbie, she was the first in a series of dolls made to capture the spirit of the 21st century.

Decked out in a gold gown with a backless bodice, glittering silver snowflakes and an elegant fur shawl, Celebration Barbie is dressed to impress. The full skirt of the dress is constructed with four layers of fine fabric that collectors adore.

45. Barbie Doll as Medusa

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.

44. Princess of the Korean Court Barbie

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.

43. Barbie Hair Happenin’s

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.

42. Monique Lhuillier Bride Barbie (Platinum Label)

Price tag: $1,600

Wedding designer Monique Lhuillier is beloved by celebrities, and her 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.

41. Centennial 2008 Barbie Alpha Kappa Alpha

Price tag: $1,615

Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first sorority founded for Black woman. The sorority has a long legacy of social action and advocacy. To commemorate 100 years of achievement, they released a limited edition Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Barbie in 2008.

Her dress featured elegant chiffon layered over charmeuse in the sorority's colors of salmon pink and light green.

40. Violette Barbie

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.

39. Barbie for President

Price tag: $1,777

One of the cool things about Barbies is that they show how ideals evolve over the decades. This doll was ahead of its time, depicting a beautiful blonde Barbie running for president long before a woman ever ran for office.

A Toys R Us exclusive limited edition, she came with a campaign outfit and an ornate, star-spangled gown, plus a briefcase. She sold on eBay in her original packaging, which was in perfect condition aside from some yellowing and light wear.

38. Sparkle Beach Barbie

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.

37. Winter Glamour in White Barbie

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.

36. The Christmas Show Barbie

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.

35. Chicago Cubs Barbie

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.

34. Cher Barbie

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.

33. #822 Swirl Ponytail Switzerland Barbie

Price tag: $2,010

Made circa 1964, this original Barbie doll featured an old-fashioned, European-style pink and white dress, an apron and a green felt corset that ties in the back, plus a white eyelet bonnet and open toe heels.

She was released as part of the Travel Costumes series with a unique swirled ponytail. Like many old, collectible Barbies, she was sold with light green staining on her ears.

32. NASCAR Official #94 Barbie

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.

31. Barbie Millennium Princess

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.

30. Fabulous 1920s Silkstone Barbie

Price tag: $2,500

Silkstone Barbie dolls were introduced in 2000. Also known as Fashion Model Barbies, they're made of harder plastic than normal Barbies that's meant to replicate the feel of porcelain. They became very popular among collectors and clothing designers alike.

This one was featured at the Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention in 2021 and sold on eBay from a private collection.

29. Barbie Japanese Exclusive Pink Silhouette

Price tag: $2,687.00

This Bridal Barbie was made exclusively in Japan, featuring coral pink lipstick and pale blue eyeshadow.

This particular doll is available on eBay in near perfect condition, aside from some lightening of her hair due to age.

28. Brunette Bubble Cut Barbie

Price tag: $2,750.00

This Bubble Cut Barbie from 1961 has a dress reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, just decorated with felt.

For the price, this edition includes all accessories and the original box.

27. Vintage Parisienne Barbie

Price tag: $2,899.99

Dressed in all the glam of the late 1950s, this Parisian beauty features an adorable polka dotted bubble dress.

This rare Barbie was exclusively featured in the first Barbie catalogue of 1959, and she's really something special.

26. Superstar Valerie Barbie

Price tag: $2,900

Not all rare Barbie dolls are made in the United States. Superstar Valerie Barbie was made in 1978 in Mexico by Cipsa.

While the doll itself was played with, the original owner kept the box, and all the accessories were intact, adding to the collectible doll's value. Her makeup and hair remain in pristine condition as well.

25. City Smart Silkstone Barbie

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.

24. Plantation Belle Barbie

Price tag: $2,999.00

The Plantation Belle dress is something else. It's layers of lace drape elegantly past Barbie's knees, with a romantic strand of pearls around her neck.

The nearly $3,000 price tag, surprisingly, is for a used doll. She's in near perfect condition, with professionally restored makeup and extra sets of clothing.

23. High Color Blonde Ponytail Barbie With Blue Eyeliner

Price tag: $3,000.00

This ultra-rare Barbie is rarely up for sale. It was originally produced in 1960, with lightly tan skin and rouged cheeks. She has smoky gray eyeshadow and blue liner, which ties in perfectly with her dress. Her handbag and hat complete the package, plus nail polish on her tiny fingers and toes.

This particular doll originally had her hair in a topknot, but the rubber band broke leaving her long hair flowing freely.

22. Happy Holidays Barbie

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.

21. German Bild Lilli Barbie Clone Doll

Price tag: $3,100

Lilli dolls are one of the dark secrets of the Barbie world. When Ruth Handler and her daughter Barbara vacationed in Switzerland in the 1950s, they discovered a German made doll named Lilli. Ruth loved it so much that she pitched a similar concept to her husband, one of the co-founders of Mattel. Within a few years, Barbie was born.

Lilli dolls, however, have a racy backstory. The doll had been drawn as a cartoon in a tabloid for years, depicted as an independent, scantily clad secretary who dated older men for their money. The doll was supposed to capture male ideals of feminine beauty.

This one was made between 1955 and 1965, featuring arched eyebrows, blue eyes and a high ponytail with a curl at the front. Even with some light wear, she sold for over $3,000.

20. American Girl Barbie

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.

19. Twist N Turn Japanese Exclusive Vintage Barbie

Price tag: $3,562.13

There were several Twist N Turn Barbie dolls, and this is one of the most coveted. Made in 1968, the rare Twist N Turn Barbie features platinum-blonde hair tied up in a ribbon.

True to 1960's style, her outfit is neon yellow with a bright green belt.

18. German Bild Lilli Hausser Barbie

Price tag: $3,999.99

Another Bild Lilli doll with slightly different makeup and a different outfit, this version sold in near-mint condition with her original hair bow and only light fading of the coloration on her cheeks.

While she wasn't sold in her original box, she did still have her original white shirt, red shorts and blue belt. The doll appeared in Silke Knaak's book "German Fashion Dolls from the '50s and '60s" on page 53, and she's very hard to find in the U.S.

17. 1998 Commuter Set Barbie

Price tag: $4,406

During the 1990s, Mattel realized that many Barbie collectors had a nostalgic appreciation for the older style of Barbie doll. The company decided to launch a Reproduction Collectors Edition line, including this Commuter Set Barbie.

Sold on eBay in her original box, Commuter Barbie has a two-strand necklace, short gloves, a travel bag, an extra blouse and black heels. Her red lipstick also matches her bag and hair accessory perfectly.

16. Japanese Exclusive Barbie Spanish Ball Gown

Price tag: $4,500.00

This one is included just for fun, because guess what? The price doesn't include the doll. It's $4,500 for just a dress.

The dress is an extremely rare, Japanese exclusive Spanish ball gown in nearly mint condition.

Serious collectors only.

15. 1964 Barbie Round the Clock

Price tag: $4,999

Vintage Barbie dolls tend to be worth the most. This one was made in 1964, and it held its value so well because the box was never opened. Both the doll and her clothing set remain in their original factory plastic, bought as a gift and then tossed into a suitcase for storage for almost 60 years. It includes a travel set, a dress for day time, an evening gown and accessories.

The box is in excellent condition, as is the doll. The only sign of its age is some green discoloration on her ears caused by her earrings.

14. Vintage Mattel Black Francie Barbie

Price tag: $5,000

Made in the 1960s, this vintage Mattel Barbie was one of the first African-American Barbie dolls made. Her bright coral lipstick matches her bathing suit, and her eyelashes are strikingly long.

This edition was made in Japan and has long, wavy hair. Imagine how much one of these would cost in the original, unopened box.

13. Aqua Queen of the Prom Barbie

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.

12. Carol Spencer Holiday Barbie

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.

11. 1920s Gran Via Silkstone Barbie

Price tag: $5,000

This ultra-rare Barbie was a centerpiece at the Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention in 2021. Only 20 copies of it were made, and it could only be purchased at the convention in person.

This Silkstone Barbie copies the style of fashion popular at the height of the 1920s, with an intricately sequined dress, a layered pearl necklace, long, dangling earrings and a bold red lip.

10. Karl Lagerfeld Barbie

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.

9. Lorraine Schwartz Barbie

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.

8. Barbie Loves the Improvers Island Steel Promotion

Price tag: $9,999

New and in the box, this particular rare Barbie is almost impossible to find. Originally coming in a blonde and a redhead edition, this was a promotional doll released by Island Steel in 1968, and supposedly only four dolls exist worldwide.

This doll was designed by a Spanish designer named Paco Rabanne, featuring a dress that looks more like the tin man than a gown.

It may not be the most elegant attire, but the price is steep because of how rare the doll is.

7. Easter Parade Vintage Barbie Ponytail #2

Price Tag: $10,140

The Easter Parade Barbie is adorned in almost all black, including her hair.

For the price, she includes her original box, stand, booklet, bathing suit and sunglasses.

She has ruby red lips and a haughty look, but we might be a little arrogant too if we had such impeccable style.

6. Pink Diamond Barbie

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.

5. Barbie in Midnight Red

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.

4. Original Barbie

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.

3. De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie

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.

2. Barbie and the Diamond Castle

Price tag: $94,800

To celebrate the animated movie, "Barbie and 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.

1. Barbie By Stefano Canturi

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.

Toy or Valuable Asset?

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.

How to Sell Your Valuable Barbie

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.

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