Identifying Vintage Barbies

Physical Characteristics

• Many collectors refer to the original Barbie dolls by their numbering; dolls one through 10 are often considered the original Barbie dolls. Mattel produced the first Barbie doll in 1959, and the original Barbie has hoop earrings, a body without any movable joints and eyebrows that arch at the middle of the brow. Her lips were red, her eyes looked off to the side and she wore a black and white swimsuit. The doll also came with a stand that had two pieces that suck into holes in the feet. This doll was both a blond and a brunette. The second Barbie doll had a ponytail. Both the first and second Barbie dolls had holes in their feet, but the holes in the first doll were lined with copper. The second Barbie doll had pedestals to hold her arms. The later Barbie doll models exhibited minor adjustments in hair color and attire and had broader faces.

Manufacturer Labeling

• Mattel imprinted its branding on each Barbie doll. This is the best means of identifying an original Barbie. Do not use this identification exclusively, however. The first Barbie doll had Japan imprinted on the bottom of her right foot. The first three Barbie dolls had the marking "Barbie TM Pats Pending © MCMLVIII."

Pricing and Tips

• An original Barbie doll can be a very expensive item; in mint condition, it can fetch upward of $15,000. Other Barbie dolls are in the range of a few thousand dollars for numbers one through three and in the few hundred dollar range for the later vintage dolls.

  Consider the doll's quality and the reputation of the person selling the doll when locating and inspecting Barbies. The vintage Barbie dolls were made of vinyl and should now be a pale ivory color--this is most noticeable in the face. Reputable websites for purchasing dolls are eBay and Barbie Collector.