Hobbies And Interests
Home  >> Collecting >> Antiques

How to Value Barbie Dolls

As money becomes tight and the economy weakens, you may decide to sell your Barbie collection. As the financial value depends on numerous factors, it is ideal to learn how to value your Barbie dolls prior to a sale. Determine whether it is to your benefit to sell the Barbie dolls as a collection or individually. Barbie dolls range over several decades and, although all have been made by Mattel, the design has subtly transitioned and fewer of certain designs have been made in recent years, making some models harder to locate.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Gather your Barbie dolls together in one area. Sort the dolls into piles. Group dolls in boxes in one area and those without boxes in another.

    • 2

      Examine the dolls which are not in boxes. Undress each doll and look for missing hair, discolored parts and any sign of damage. Use a magnifying glass for an in-depth inspection as dolls not in boxes may contain flaws, which lessen the value. Identify the mold marking on the abdomen.

    • 3

      Search the clothes and accessories for damage. Conduct an in-depth inspection with the magnifying glass. Determine whether these are the original clothes and accessories sold with the doll.

    • 4

      Look on the boxed dolls for the date of manufacturing. Examine the box for signs of wear and tear. Determine whether the box has been opened and whether the Barbie was removed. (The seal will be broken and the twisties gone.) Ensure all accessories are in the box.

    • 5

      Purchase a book that gives a list of Barbie dolls and their price values, such as "Face of the American Dream: Barbie Doll 1959-1971" by Christopher Varaste or "The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book" by Marcie Melillo. Find your dolls in the book and determine their condition and value. You may discover you own some rare dolls.

    • 6

      Attend a local auction to determine the current selling prices of Barbie dolls. Speak to the auctioneer about your dolls and arrange a showing. Discuss whether a sale of the dolls individually or as a collection would bring in more money.

    • 7

      Attend the 2011 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention and examine the other Barbie dolls. Join a Barbie club, such as Barbie Collector, to discuss your doll with other members.


https://www.htfbw.com © Hobbies And Interests