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How to Tell If You Have Found a Barbie Collectible

If you've discovered old Barbie dolls or accessories, don't automatically put them in the yard sale bin. While Barbie's manufacturer, Mattel, does not provide value information on any of its products, you can determine whether your Barbie items are collectible by consulting various guides. If you belong to a Barbie collector's club, bring the Barbie items to your next club meeting and ask your peers if they're familiar with the items' worth.

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect your Barbie dolls and accessories for signs of damage under good light, using a magnifying glass if you choose. Look for any stains, odors, broken or missing limbs or marred facial features that will decrease the value of your item. Dolls with original makeup and bodies intact are worth more, and old dolls with original outfits and packaging materials are highly collectible.
- 2
  Inspect any clothing or accessories under good light for material quality. Are there loose threads or missing buttons? Is the outfit bleached or faded from the sun? Since outfits and other Barbie accessories are tiny, a magnifying glass will help you find flaws that can decrease the value of your item. Inspect the condition of other Barbie products, such as vehicles or furniture, looking for stains, rips or breakage.
- 3
  Read Barbie buying guides for information on the vast Barbie collectible market. Two good choices are "Barbie Doll Around the World 1964-2007" by J. Michael Augustyniak, which focuses on Barbie dolls marketed internationally, and "The Barbie Doll Years: A Comprehensive Listing & Value Guide Of Dolls & Accessories" by Patrick C. Olds and Joyce L. Olds, which lists number issued, date and value for Barbie dolls from 1959 to 1998.
- 4
  Browse the Barbie dolls and outfits present at Deni's Vintage Barbie Collection website (see Resources). This can help you find items that are similar or identical to yours. Many contemporary and vintage Barbie items are sold on eBay; browse listed and recently sold items to see what items fetch more money, and if any items resemble your own.
- 5
  Go to the American Society of Appraisers' website (see Resources), to find a personal property appraiser near you. An appraiser can tell you whether your Barbies are collectible and, if so, can provide information on potential buyers. Call several appraisers near you and ask for references and a resume that indicates experience appraising Barbie dolls. Check the references to ensure your appraiser does good work.
- 6
  Show the appraiser your Barbie dolls during the appointment. Tell the appraiser that you want to know if the item is collectible, what the current selling price is and how the price has changed over time. Ask any additional questions on Barbie care, cleaning, storage and value.

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