Hi Sandra,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The market for vintage Barbie dolls has been growing steadily, driven by both nostalgia and a deepening interest in collecting. Over the years, vintage Barbie dolls—those produced in the 1950s to the early 1990s—have become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

When considering value, key trends shows some insights in the market for vintage Barbie dolls:

Rarity: Some Barbie dolls, such as the 1960s "No. 1" Barbie, which is one of the first released, or the "Steffie" face molds, are particularly rare and highly prized. Limited editions, dolls from special collections, and those with unique features (like certain hair colors or clothing variations) can command premium prices.

Condition and Packaging: The condition of the doll plays a significant role in its value. Mint-condition dolls that are still in their original packaging are generally the most valuable. Even dolls that are loose but in good condition (with little to no wear on their paint, hair, and clothing) can still fetch high prices.

Vintage Barbie dolls range from relatively affordable to very expensive depending on the rarity, condition, and the particular model. For example:
Early Barbie dolls (1959-1964) can sell for anywhere from $100 to over $2,000, depending on the condition and whether they have original packaging, outfits and accessories. An all-original Barbie Model 850 with the original factory packaging and as many accessories as you have would be worth $2,000-3,000. Because you no longer have the box, this doll is worth $600-900 because of the number of accessories.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Mattel Ponytail Barbie
Model 850, made in 1961
The doll with black hair, curly bangs, with several pieces of clothing, including but not limited to a blue sleeveless evening dress, a stewardess jacket and bag, a two piece yellow dress, a pink and magenta evening dress, a tennis skirt with jacket and racket, a pink knit sweater, a yellow tube-top dress with white gauze overlay, a ski parka with poles and skis, a red and white striped jacket, a pink skating outfit, a white raincoat and various accessories.
If standard, should be 11-1/2 inches tall
CONDITION: This doll appears to be in generally good condition with some minor wear from playing.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 600-900*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia