News & Trending Money News

9 Barbies That Are Worth a Fortune Today

Don’t toss out these old Barbies, as they could be worth big money.

By Stacy Garrels

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Barbies have been a staple of childhood in America since the beloved doll made her debut in 1959. People everywhere adore Barbie for the glamor and sophistication she represents.

This is a doll with mad collector appeal, and the recent blockbuster film has only added to her popularity — and value — as a collectible.

If you are trying to build wealth, know that the dolls you played with as a child could be worth hundreds of dollars today — and possibly more. Here’s a fun look at 10 of the world’s most valuable Barbie dolls.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

The Stefano Canturi Barbie

In 2009, Mattel invited jewelry designer Stefano Canturi to create a diamond necklace for a one-of-a-kind Barbie. This custom-made doll wears 3 carats of white diamonds around her neck and an additional square-cut pink diamond.

The doll stoked a bidding frenzy at a 2010 New York Christie’s auction before going for the staggering sum of $302,500. All sales proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Teen Talk Barbie

Mattel bobbled big in 1992 when it produced Teen Talk Barbie.

The doll could “talk” four different phrases from a random sound bank of 270 lines, including, “Math class is tough” and “Do you have a crush on anyone?”

Outraged consumers felt the doll’s phrases reinforced stereotypes about girls and young women. While the toymaker didn’t issue a full-out recall of the doll, it did offer to swap dolls.

A Teen Talk Barbie recently sold for $700 on Poshmark.

Millennium Princess Barbie

Mattel’s Millennium Princess Barbie was beautifully attired in a velvet gown and silver sparkles. One of these dolls that was still in its original packaging sold for $12,000 on eBay.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Original 1959 Barbie

Original 1959 Barbie dolls are rare. If you have a vintage 1959 doll, it could be worth big bucks — especially if you have the original box or any of the original clothing and accessories.

A 1959 Barbie with her original vinyl case, shoes, and accessories recently sold for $16,500 on eBay.

Marie Antoinette Barbie

This Barbie doll’s regal presence seems to silently proclaim, “Let them eat cake!”

Immaculately coiffed and styled, a stunning example of the 2003 Marie Antoinette Barbie sold for $1,500 on Mercari.

Haunted Beauty Vampire Barbie

With Barbie, it’s not all bubblegum pink and sunshine and sparkles. A Haunted Beauty Vampire Barbie recently sold for $500 on Mercari.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Cher Barbie

If you love Cher and have a 2007 Cher Ringmaster Platinum Farewell Tour Barbie, it could be worth some big bucks.

A brand-new Cher Barbie — wearing an amazing replica of Cher’s concert costume — was listed for $3,000 on eBay and sold to someone who made a “best offer.”

African-American Sun Gold Malibu Barbie

It’s not just the iconic blonde-haired Barbie that commands high prices: Mattel’s 1983 release of an African-American Sun Gold Malibu Barbie sold recently for $10,000 on eBay.

Holiday Barbie with a misprint

Collectors love a good misprint: A 1997 Holiday Barbie with a misprint on the box sold for $6,000 on eBay. The box shows a photo of a blue-eyed Barbie, but the doll inside has green eyes.

If you're hoping to get ahead financially, perhaps a Mattel misprint will wind up making you a small windfall.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!² <p>See website for details.</p>

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Bottom line

Your old Barbies could be major collectibles. It’s possible that selling an old Barbie could even boost your bank account.

And if you want to make a bet on the future, try buying a new Barbie and keeping it in mint condition without opening the packaging. With any luck, it will be worth a lot more money in a decade or so.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Earn Cash By Going Online

Inbox Dollars Benefits

Get a $5 bonus when you register with your email
You could earn money by taking surveys or making online searches
Over $80 million paid to members so far - how much can you earn?

Visit Inbox Dollars