Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Understand that many Barbies look very much alike and they can be very hard to identify.
Observe your doll closely. Look at her facial characteristics, hair and body.
Look to see if her appearance has been altered in any way - with re-rooted hair, cut hair or repainted makeup. If she has been altered, she is no longer an original.
Check to see if all of her limbs are the same color. If they are not, parts may have been replaced.
Ignore the date on her abdomen, as this does not indicate the date she was made, but the date the form for her abdomen was copyrighted.
Notice if she is in an unopened box. If so, she is NRFB (never removed from box) and is much more valuable. Do not remove her from the box, as this will decrease her value significantly.
Buy or look at a Barbie pricing guide.
Compare your doll to the dolls pictured. You may see several that she resembles.
Remember the outfit your doll wore when you first got her. This may help narrow down her age.
Subscribe to "Barbie Bazaar" magazine. There are articles that will help you determine if your doll is an original.
Think about how old you were when you got her and determine what year that was. If you did not receive her as a child, ask the person who sold you the doll about her age.
Go to Barbie conventions and collector stores. Compare your doll to those displayed.
Talk to collectors in your area and get their opinions.
Have your doll appraised by an expert. This is the best way to determine if she is, in fact, an original.