| The New York toy fair hosted the introduction of a | | | | series of these which were made in varying |
| phenomenon in 1959. This was when Barbie dolls | | | | quantities. |
| were introduced to the world. They are still made at | | | | The Pink Label collectible Barbies were made with no |
| the present time and many millions have been sold all | | | | limit to the quantity. The Silver Label dolls were a |
| over the globe. Barbie doll collecting is a very popular | | | | limited edition of up to 50,000 and were distributed |
| hobby as a result and Mattel estimates that there | | | | worldwide. Gold Label Barbie dolls were made in an |
| are over 100,000 people who collect Barbie dolls. | | | | edition of up to 25,000. The top tier is the Platinum |
| Most of these are female andare on average 40 | | | | Label dolls which were limited to 1000 dolls. These |
| years old. They tend to buy about 20 barbie dolls | | | | label edition dolls are much sought after by collectors. |
| each every year. | | | | They must be in mint condition in the original box to |
| Barbie underwent many changes in appearance over | | | | have value as a collectors item. |
| the years. The first Barbie had a ponytail hairstyle | | | | Barbie doll collecting is popular in many countries |
| and wore a zebra striped one piece swimsuit. She | | | | around the world. Pre 1972 vintage Barbies are the |
| was copyright dated 1958 on the back and on the | | | | most sought after and many are still to be found in |
| bottom of the right foot was marked Made In Japan. | | | | garage sales,flea markets,thrift stores and such like |
| This is the rarest Barbie and if you locate one in really | | | | places. Most people know nothing about vintage |
| nice condition it is quite valuable. | | | | Barbie dolls or their values. As a result there are lots |
| Vintage Barbie dolls are considered by collectors to | | | | of them still out there waiting for the right collector |
| be those made between 1959 and 1972. Dolls made | | | | to come along and find them. The thrill of the hunt |
| after this time are modern dolls in collectors terms. | | | | can be almost obsessive and can get an avid |
| Mattel made special edition dolls in the later years | | | | collector out of bed to be an early bird at garage |
| which have their own collector following. To be a real | | | | sales or flea markets. It's all worth it when that early |
| collectors item these later Barbies must be in the | | | | Barbie is purchased for a song and carried home |
| original box and in mint condition. There were several | | | | triumphantly to join her sisters in a collection. |