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Retired Franklin Mint Dolls

Franklin Mint Dolls are wonderful collector items. They are exquisite and reflect history at the same time, which make them a significant collectible. The features on the dolls are practically flawless. But, it's always important to be sure you have an original and not just a copy, otherwise the doll will lose its value. The word "retired" implies that the dolls are discontinued. At times it can mean that the doll made to portray a certain person will no longer be made and other times it means that a specific model of the doll will no longer be created by the Franklin Mint Co.

History
- Franklin Mint is a company that has been creating collectibles for over 40 years. While all kinds of collectible items are created by the company, the dolls are especially wonderful. Retired Franklin Mint Dolls are dolls that the company has made in the past, but no longer create. Like many of their collectible items, these retired dolls were only available for sale while supplies lasted. This doesn't mean you can not find them any longer for sale. There are many people who buy and sell collectibles and if you search on the Internet, in the classifieds or even through garage sales, you may be able to find the doll you're looking for.
Significance
- What makes these dolls significant has to do with their historical images. Dolls such as Princess Diana and Scarlett O'Hara hold a rich historical value. They remind the owner of the time period of the person's life that the doll represents. From incredible movies to moving moments in time, these dolls represent more than just a cute collectible. They represent the history we read about in school and live everyday.
Features
- These dolls are made in a detailed and delicate fashion. Some are vinyl and others are porcelain. The features are extremely lifelike and closely resemble the person they are made to look like. Careful painting and hair assembly is taken along with clothing to represent a specific moment in time for that person. There are some nonhistorical dolls as well that are made with the same precision and care.
Identification
- So, how do you know if the doll you have is an actual Franklin Mint doll? For starters, each doll is hand numbered. In order for a doll to be proclaimed mint, it must not have been disturbed in any way. While the box may be creased or bent, it is better for the value of the doll if the box is in impeccable condition as well as the doll.
Warning
- Do not be fooled by fakes. Always look for the hand numbered dolls and those that are in mint condition only! The Franklin Mint label should come with the doll on the box. There should be some sort of authentication paperwork. When in doubt, and before you buy, call the Franklin Mint and be sure that the doll you have or want is in fact from the company and in mint condition.

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