Vintage Barbie dolls are from the years 1959 to 1976 and bear the country name of Japan, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Korea. Look for markings (country of manufacture, year, and company name) on the lower back in the waist region. Many dolls made in later years have markings in that area.

Are old Barbie dolls worth money?

Original Barbie - The original first edition Barbie from 1959 is very rare. Money, Inc. reports that even in played-with condition, she is worth $8,000. In pristine condition, she could be worth more than $27,000.

How much did a Barbie doll cost in 1959?

In 1959, Barbie Millicent Roberts from (fictional) Willows, Wisconsin was introduced to a skeptical toy industry at the New York Toy Fair. A gallon of gas was 25 cents, the average annual wage was $5,000 and the #1 Ponytail Barbie sold for $3.