Barbies

[shandy]

Here are some false ideas about barbies. This may help collectors to re-evaluate the value of their barbies.

Myth: All Barbie dolls with 1966 stamped on their behind are very valuable.

Most Barbie dolls with “1966” stamped on their behinds were actually made much later than that, are very common, and aren’t worth very much if anything. The “1966” mark refers to the patent date for the doll, not the date of issue. Many millions of dolls made as late as the 1990s and 2000s have 1966 as part of their mark.

Myth: If it’s an old doll, its valuable.

Many old dolls are not that valuable, especially those that are in poor condition. A doll with a ratty wig, a battered body, and no original clothing is generally not worth much unless very old or very rare. And, there are many composition, bisque and cloth bodies that are still very plentiful today (or for which demand is not great) and their prices are not high. This can be a boon for collectors who want to collect older dolls on a budget (see above) or those that like to fix up dolls.

Myth: If it’s a new doll, it’s worthless.

This is mostly a myth cherished by serious antique doll collectors. If they haven’t explored modern, newer dolls, they might have no idea what they are missing. Some of the sculpture and costuming that you can find on modern artist and even some modern manufactured dolls rivals the sculpture, art and costuming of some vintage and even some antique dolls. Sometimes, they can even surpass it.

Shandy

[Teresa]

Hello Barbie fans,

Here's how to determine the condition of your Barbie, using the A.Glenn Mandeville C1 to C10 Grading System.

• Examine your doll thoroughly. Note any original packaging, defects, facial paint, hair, and marks. Be honest in your assessment!
• Is your doll factory fresh, NRFB or MIB with all tags, accessories and original clothing, never played with and with no flaws? Congratulations! Your doll is condition C-10.
• Is your doll never played with, and with no flaws but without its original packaging, your doll is mint and a very desirable C-9.
• If your doll is not mint, but very close--maybe handled a few times, dressed and undressed, but with original hairstyle, all-original fresh face-paint and original clothing, (and no flaws!) your doll is a C-8.
• Doll is still all-original, but has definitely been played with; not fresh and crisp. Doll is a C-7.
• If you see some defects, such as green-ear pin dots, faded brows, lip rubs, skin fading on TNTs, you have a C-6. Some parts of original outfit may be missing.
• If your doll has been REALLY played with--hair out of its style and face paint definitely faded/rubbed in various places, you have a C-5. Doll is still in one piece; but it needs some restoration/attention.
• You can start crying about your doll's condition if you have read down this far! If your doll has been heavily loved, and has defects such as cut hair, missing digits, and other problems requiring very heavy restoration work, your doll is a C-4.
• Hmm---well, if you are looking here, your doll is in sad shape! With some work, perhaps the doll can still be displayable, and she is a C-3.
• If your doll cannot be repaired but has several parts that can be used, you have a C-2.
• If your doll looks like the dog has eaten it, or its been caught in the lawn mower, or for any reason only one or two parts are useable for anything, then your poor doll is a C-1.
Tips:
1. Most doll collectors are looking for dolls in the C-8 to C-10 range.
2. Most prices in doll price guides are for C-10s, NRFB, and sometimes for C-8s. Deduct value accordingly if your doll is C-7 or below.

Source: http://collectdolls.about.com/library/howto/ht10.htm

Teresa

[shandy]

Hi Teresa,

It is an enjoyable experience to share our collecting experience on Barbie here. I have some more information for you.

1. Platinum Label Barbies which MATTEL only produces 1,000 of that Edition Worldwide

2. Gold Label Barbies which MATTEL only produces 25,000 of that Edition Worldwide

3. Silver Label Barbies which MATTEL only produces 50,000 of that Edition Worldwide

4. Pink Label Barbies are Keepsake Edition for Retailers (No Limit in Production)

All Dolls will have a Production Date on Packaging, usually found on the bottom of the box by UPC bar code.

Shandy

[Teresa]

Hi Gals and Guys,

I need some consultation. I would like to know if there are grading companies that grade the condition of dolls, and if they do how much does it normally cost to have a doll graded?

Teresa

[shandy]

Hello Teresa,

There is a Collectible Dolls Authority (CDA). It is a professional grading company. Their grading scale is a lot more detail than other grading companies.

For the cost, it depends on the item(s) that you are having graded and how fast you need them to be returned to you. You can find more detailed prices on this website: http://www.dollgrader.com/gradingcost.aspx

Shandy