Barbie has been a landmark toy in children’s entertainment ever since the first Barbie doll was released in 1959. It’s still relatable to current culture and very popular amongst both collectors and children. And just as modern kids enjoy playing with the newer ones, collectors also appreciate the more vintage Barbies that are highly valued collectables.
Barbie dolls are often sought after by collectors because they’re seen as some of the most iconic and popular dolls ever made. Barbie dolls were originally made for entertainment for young girls and today, collectors are increasingly looking for vintage Barbies that come with their original packaging, outfits and accessories.
Barbies fame began when the first doll of the series, named Barbie Millicent Roberts from 1959, was introduced. From then on every new edition of Barbies dolls were launched with more and more accessories and outfits which reflected the time they were released.
Do you have an old collection of Barbies that you would like to find out more about? Or perhaps you have a Barbie that you know is rare but don’t know how much it is worth? Whatever the case, you can find out today at The Antique Appraisal Company.
The first Barbie doll was introduced to the market in 1955, and was a unique toy at the time. It was created for young girls to play with at their leisure and explore what it might be like to be an independent, career-driven woman.
The collectors prize the rare Barbie dolls from 1959 to the late 1960s. The more valuable dolls have red hair and bendable legs, often being valued around $25,000 in mint condition.
How Barbies Are Made
Barbie was first introduced to the public on March 9th, 1959, at the American International Toy Fair in New York. It was created by Ruth Handler’s and was named after her daughter. The doll based on a grown woman rather than a baby or toddler. The idea sparked in Ruth’s head when she watched her daughter role-playing with her toys and she realised there could be a huge market for her toys in America.
Ruth got found out there was a doll similar to her idea on the German market called Bild Lilli. After the proccess of creating her first Barbie prototype she then went on to purchase the rights to Bild Lilli. The first Barbie doll officially entered the public domain in New York in 1959.
When first introduced, Barbie dolls were initially aimed at teenage girls and catered to their needs. The original Barbie doll was sold in two different versions – a brunette or a blonde. They wore a striped bathing suit and came with an original price of $3. By 1961, Mattel also launched red-hair Barbies and same year, Ken (after Ruth’s son), was introduced as the first male Barbie doll model. In the 1980s, African American and Hispanic Barbie dolls were introduced.
Barbie has received criticism for her mature appearance yet its goal was to represent a modern women and serve as an inspiration for young girls. Ruth saw things differently, she saw Barbie dolls as a way to give young girls someone to look up to and show them that they can be anything they want when they grow up.
Barbie has been leading in toy industry though her revolutionary form and multiple female careers options and styles since she was introduced. She released many limited editions that are highly desired by collectors all around the world.
Get Your Barbie Appraised Online
If you have a vintage Barbie doll or any Barbie for that matter it is most likely worth being appraised and valued as they can be extremely valuable depending on the age, model, rareity and condition. Feel free to have one of our experts take a look and provide you with a in depth appraisal certificate.