12 Valuable Dolls That Are Worth a Small Fortune

If you have an abundance of dolls in your home or come into a cache at an estate sale, selling them can be a great way to earn extra income. There are many collectors and aficionados who are willing to pay for rare models.

Of course, some dolls are worth more than others, and the market can be saturated. But if you know what to look for and the doll is in excellent shape, a lucrative sale might be possible.

Here are some valuable ones you might be able to take to the bank.

Sold for: $3,750

Approximate resale value: $500 - $800

With origins in Japan and global fame, Kenner Blythe dolls are a hot commodity. This model came into the world in 1972, and clearly helped her seller become rich overnight.

This rare doll wasn’t in perfect shape but came in her original box with all of her clothing, which added to her value.

Sold for: $4,500

Approximate resale value: $400 - $600

The American Girl Doll collection debuted in the 1980s and had some wonderfully unique models, but it was a Samantha Parkington doll in mint condition that snatched this price.

She was in the original box, had authenticating paperwork, and came with a book and accessories.

Sold for: $17,000

Approximate resale value: $17,000

Alexandre Mothereau was the genius doll maker behind Bebe Mothereau dolls, and he was only active for 15 years. Because only a few of these dolls were ever created, all of his creations are collectible and very valuable.

The extremely rare model that sold for so much at auction had a unique signature and was in great condition. Another sold for $8,000 because of her rare expression.

Note: Photo is of Vintage French Bisque Head Reproduction Bebe Doll sold on eBay for $291.99.

Sold for: $1,200

Approximate resale value: $200 - $400

This model of the ultra-famous Cabbage Patch dolls of the ‘70s and ‘80s comes from the 1979 D Purple Edition. Given that doll maker Xavier Roberts was just getting started, she's one of the earliest of her kind.

Her clean condition, along with the signed papers and her original dress, helped bump up her value.

Sold for: $310,541

Approximate resale value: $200 - $800

Kämmer & Reinhardt dolls became so valuable thanks to their unique, lifelike expressions and exquisite craftsmanship.

This rare German doll may very well be from an experimental mold, making her truly one-of-a-kind. For comparison, another model sold for much less at $45,000.

Note: Photo is of Antique German Simon & Halbig Kammer & Reinhardt Bisque Head Doll, currently listed on eBay for $459.

Sold for: No public data

Approximate resale value: $5 million (estimated)

Of all of the vintage dolls that Madame Alexander has created, this model is by far the most expensive.

Only five were ever manufactured before being dressed in super high-end designer clothing and adorned with luxury, nine-carat diamond jewelry. None have ever been sold, but if you’ve got one of the five on your hands, you’ll be making a major profit.

Note: Photo is of Madame Alexander 8” Eloise Doll currently listed on eBay for $55.

Sold for: $25,000

Approximate resale value: $25,000

The second Madame Alexander doll we’re covering is this iconic beauty, who is prized for her cheek color, the finish on her face, her beautiful outfit and accessories, and her rarity.

She arrived on the auction block in her original box in pristine condition, with her preservation leading to the high price.

Note: Photo is of Madame Alexander Vintage Gone With The Wind Scarlett O'Hara Doll, currently listed on eBay for $50.

Sold for: $44,000

Approximate resell value: $44,000

The last Madame Alexander model on our list is from a limited edition of five mystery dolls made in 1951. She’s dressed in lace, wears satin shoes, and sports pearl earrings.

She sold at auction in near-mint condition, which undoubtedly helped fetch such a high price tag.

Note: Photo is of Madame Alexander 8” Mystery Doll, currently listed on eBay for $24.

Sold for: $302,500

Approximate resell value: $302,500

This one-of-a-kind doll was so astonishingly valuable due to a contribution from jewelry designer Stefano Canturi. Mattel asked him to create a piece to celebrate Barbie’s 50th anniversary.

The result was a stunning diamond necklace that adorned the doll, which sold at a Christie's charity auction in New York City and is the most expensive Barbie doll ever.

Note: Photo is of 1998 Definitely Diamonds Barbie Doll sold on eBay for $32.10.

Sold for: $23,000

Approximate resale value: $6,250,000

Swiss doll makers are famous for their skill, and Michel Bertrand was a master of “automatons,” or dolls that move. This model does so exquisitely, with endless moving parts and flourishes.

The Bird Trainer is the most expensive doll in the world. When this specific extremely rare automaton sold at auction for $23,000, it still functioned near-perfectly, explaining its staggering price tag. But if you’ve got one in your possession, you could make millions.

Note: Photo is of 19th Century Wind Up Automaton Doll currently listed on eBay for $1,600.

Sold for: $27,450

Approximate resell value: $8,000

The OG Barbie herself is worth a pretty penny. What collector wouldn’t want this iconic doll? She stuns in her classic black and white bathing suit, hoop earrings, and sunglasses.

In mint condition in the box, she fetched $27,450 from a buyer. A first edition of this Barbie is worth even more — all you have to do is look for holes in the bottom of her feet to know if you have one.

Sold for: $1,250

Approximate resale value: $500

If you’re looking to lower your financial stress, check to see if you have any of these vintage dolls hidden in your attic. In mint condition, they can make you over $1,000.

An Uncle Clem doll snagged the biggest haul, while Percy the Mailman sold for just $100 less. Both were in good condition.

Selling dolls on the secondhand market might not be for everyone, but if you're lucky, it can help you get ahead financially. You just have to know what you’re looking for.

Even if you don’t make thousands of dollars, selling models that go for hundreds can add up over time. It’s certainly better than letting something valuable collect dust in an attic.