Buzz
Since her debut in 1959, the Barbie doll quickly became a sensation, selling for just $3 each. While modern Barbies can be purchased for as little as $10, vintage models have seen their value soar. For instance, an original Barbie Millicent Roberts doll (yes, that’s her full name!) in her iconic black-and-white swimsuit now commands a premium; one is listed on Etsy for $5800, and another is available on Ruby Lane for $4495. Even childhood favorites, such as the $148 Talking Teacher Barbie from 1995, styled like a chic Ms. Frizzle, can cost a small fortune to add to your collection. Explore these seven other unexpectedly pricey Barbies currently on the market.
1. TOTALLY HAIR BARBIE
25th Anniversary Totally Hair Barbie | MattelDebuting in 1992, Totally Hair Barbie boasted an extravagant, Rapunzel-like mane that cascaded down to her feet. As the best-selling Barbie of all time, over 10 million units were sold. Despite the abundance of original dolls and the popularity of the 25th anniversary edition, many boxed '90s versions—both blonde and brunette—are fetching over $50 on eBay. Whether the included Dep hair gel is still effective, however, remains a mystery.
2. VINTAGE BENDABLE BARBIES
American Girl Barbie with bending legs | RomitaGirl67, Flickr // CC BY 2.0Barbie's rigid stance became more lifelike with the introduction of "bendable" versions in the 1960s. While only her knees could bend, this small adjustment made her appear more realistic during activities like "walking," as seen with this Skipper doll, who looks ready to enjoy the beach with her newfound flexibility. (Today, some Barbies are even flexible enough to perform yoga.) However, acquiring an early model
3. CHRISTIE DOLLS
Twist and Turn Christie Doll | RomitaGirl67, Flickr // CC BY 2.0Introduced in 1968 as a talking doll, Christie has remained a beloved member of the Barbie family as an African-American character. Well-preserved, boxed Christie dolls can fetch hundreds of dollars, such as a 1976 SuperStar Christie listed at $875 or a 1981 Golden Dream Christie priced at $300. Even a $100 Kissing Christie represents a significant markup compared to her original retail price in 1980.
Pro tip: Older vintage and mod Christie dolls often experience oxidation, turning their black hair reddish over time, which is completely normal (as seen on this $295 1970 Talking Christie). However, dolls that have maintained their original black or brown hair color are typically more valuable.
4. MISS BARBIE
Vintage | EtsyIn 1964, Mattel experimented with innovative features on a unique doll named "Miss Barbie." She was sold in a box set featuring three interchangeable wigs, making her the first Barbie with "molded" hair—painted directly onto the head mold—instead of the traditional rooted hair. Additionally, she was the only Barbie to have "sleep eyes," allowing her eyelids to close while reclining in one of her three pink swimsuits. Although she wasn’t a top seller at the time, a Miss Barbie without her original accessories now sells for $195 (this one, dressed in a different vintage outfit and missing the swimwear, is listed at $200). Complete sets, including her wigs, swimming cap, poolside swing, palm tree, and mini magazines, can fetch around $1000.
5. VINTAGE "PONYTAIL" BARBIES
Vintage | Tinker*Tailor loves Lalka, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0The earliest Barbie models featured short curly bangs and stylish ponytails, reflecting the teen fashion of the '50s and '60s. The first seven models, produced between 1959 and 1964, showcased this iconic look. Original Japan-made ponytail Barbies now cost several hundred dollars. For example, a #3 model in a vibrant custom evening gown is listed at $725, while a partially restored blond "busy gal" #3 is priced at $650. A unique variation, the "swirl ponytail" Barbies, with bangs swept to the side, can fetch up to $799 for mint-condition originals, though others are available on Etsy or eBay for under $300.
6. MY SIZE BARBIE
My Size Barbie from 1992 | AmazonThe My Size Barbie trend of the mid-'90s introduced 3-foot-tall dolls that allowed children to play while standing, rather than sitting or kneeling. This line even included a My Size Bride Barbie, complete with a child-sized bridal gown, foreshadowing a future fascination with shows like Say Yes to the Dress. Today, many of these dolls are priced around $150, though rare finds like an unopened Dancing My Size Barbie can exceed $200.
7. VINTAGE COLOR MAGIC BARBIE
Vintage Color Magic Barbie | RomitaGirl67, Flickr // CC BY 2.0In 1966 and 1967, Mattel released the ultra-groovy Color Magic Barbie, available with either blonde or black hair. Using a special solution packet, her hair could change to two shades of red. She also featured bold makeup, complementing her vibrant yellow, pink, and blue swimsuit. A blonde version is currently listed at $475, while a "Scarlet Flame" variant (the transformed color of the blonde) is priced at $200. For the complete set, including the color-changing solution, prices can reach $700, though the hair transformation may not work as effectively as it did five decades ago.
