Top 20 most expensive Barbie dolls ever sold (including prices)
Barbie dolls have been the favourites of little girls and even some adults since they were first released in the 1950s. However, some have high monetary values, selling for hundreds of dollars in auctions. This article highlights the most expensive Barbie dolls ever sold. You could be sitting on a small fortune with that doll collecting dust in the depth of your childhood closet.
Source: UGC
The value of any Barbie doll can vary based on various factors, including rarity, condition and popularity. In addition, the doll market can fluctuate significantly over time based on trends and collector preferences.
What is the most expensive Barbie doll ever sold?
While not all Barbies are worth their playhouse's weight in cash, some are scarce collector's items that could sell for a surprising amount. Here are some of the most valuable Barbies.
1. Stefano Canturi Barbie ($302,500)
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Designed by Stefano Canturi, this elegant blonde doll features carats of white diamonds and a square emerald. It was sold in 2010 to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
2. De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie ($85,000)
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In 1999, Mattel partnered with De Beers, a diamond company, to outfit this toy. Along with a top, matching tangerine wrap and sheer skirt, it rocks a belt with 160 diamonds.
3. Original Barbie ($27,450)
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Which Barbie is the rarest? This vintage Barbie doll has a striped bathing suit, golden hair and blue eyeshadow. It was sold in mint condition in 2006 and is available on eBay for $25,000.
4. Barbie in Midnight Red ($17,065)
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This doll is a real treasure thanks to its vintage outfit. Back in the day, you would spend about $3 on a standard Barbie and then pay a considerable amount to build a miniature collection of its outfits and accessories.
5. Pink Diamond Barbie ($15,000)
Source: UGC
Designed by Phillipe Blond and David, this doll debuted at their 2013 Blonde Spring show during the New York Fashion Week. It was sold in a charity auction, and the proceeds were used to benefit the MAC Aids Fund organization.
6. Celebration 2000 Doll ($11,000)
Source: UGC
This special edition toy was released to celebrate the Millennium. Limited editions and Barbies with unique characteristics are often in high demand among collectors.
7. Gala Abend Barbie ($9,148)
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The highly coveted rare Barbie was released in 1965. Adhering to its gala name, this toy features brunette hair, a long coat, a matching dress, and gloves.
8. Signed Pillow Talk Barbie Set ($7,680)
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This set was released in 2011, consisting of two toys, each representing the main characters of the film Pillow Talk. Although the old-fashioned piece may not appeal to children, it is a fantastic collector's item for adults.
9. Lorraine Schwartz Barbie ($7,500)
Source: UGC
Lorraine Schwartz designed this piece as part of a collaboration between Mattel and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. It was sold at a charity auction in 2010.
10. Brunette Ponytail Doll ($6,710)
Source: UGC
In 1959, seven Barbie dolls were manufactured, all of which looked similar. However, this one differed from the rest due to its leg design, constructed with copper tuning. The toy features a black eyeliner and a graphic swimsuit.
11. Karl Lagerfeld Barbie ($5,275)
Source: UGC
With only 999 in existence, these toys can fetch thousands of dollars on eBay. In May 2023, one was sold for a whopping $5,275. However, they were previously sold on Net-a-Porter.
12. Marie Antoinette Doll ($3,000)
Source: UGC
Produced as part of Mattel's Women of Royalty Series, this doll was based on Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun's 1783 portrait of the French monarch. This Barbie features a diamond necklace dressed in an extravagant blue gown.
13. Porcelain Rumba Barbie Doll Prototype ($2,640)
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Originally designed to have a distinct 1920s hairstyle and design, this prototype is made of porcelain instead of plastic. Therefore, this piece is quite fragile compared to other toys capable of withstanding hours of play without showing wear.
14. Enchanted Evening Barbie ($1,670)
Source: UGC
This doll inspires Barbie star Margot Robbie's red carpet looks. Its stylist Andrew Mukamal drew inspiration from the actresses' ensemble for the London premiere.
15. Faerie Queen Barbie ($1,500)
Source: UGC
Released in 2004, the Faerie Queen depicts the Irish mythical faerie. It was sold in a limited number as part of the Platinum Label. She wears a crown with sparkling wings as ruler of the faerie world.
16. Pink Jubilee Barbie ($1,300)
Source: UGC
In celebration of Barbie's 30th anniversary, this toy was gifted to guests of Mattel's festival in 1989. It features a pale pink and silver gown, sparkly earrings and big wavy hair.
17. Devi Kroell Doll ($1,075)
Source: UGC
Sold during a charity auction for the Council of Fashion Designers in America, this piece was a collaboration between Mattel and designer Devi Kroell. It wears thigh-high boots and an elegant, chic pink purse.
18. Colour Magic Barbie ($750)
Source: UGC
This 1960s doll features a unique twist as her hair and swimsuit change colour when sprayed with a particular solution. This explains its high demand by collectors.
19. Pink Splendor Doll ($530)
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With only 10,000 available pieces worldwide, this extravagant doll features a sky-high hairdo. It was released in 1996 as part of Barbie's 35th anniversary.
20. Totally Hair Barbie ($270)
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Interestingly, this blonde hair toy from the early 90s came with styling gel and hair accessories for a change in hairstyle. Get one at $270 on eBay.
What is the most expensive doll in the world?
The L'Oiseleur (The Bird Trainer) doll is the most expensive doll in the world. The only place you can find this doll is in the Swiss workshop of its creator, Christian Bailly.
This article has everything you need to know about the most expensive Barbie dolls ever sold. If you had one growing up, you should double-check if any of the ones on this list are still stored away.
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