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Barbie Collector Tips and Glossary

For some people, collecting Barbie is not only a hobby, but a career.  Through this page, you can find what to do and what not to do with your Barbie dolls.  A Barbie could be a vintage item worth money, and you may not even know!

Below are a few abbreviations that all Barbie collectors must know:

• NFRB- never removed from box

• MIB- mint in box(factory mint doll in original box)

• MNB- mint no box(pristine doll, no box)

• Mint and Complete- Pristine outfit and all accessories in mint condition

• Secondary Market- Resale of Barbie on Collector's Market

• Customize Dolls- Barbie Dolls created specifically for a particular store

• #1 Ponytail- '59 original Barbie, white irises, blue liner, holes in feet

• #2 Ponytail- '59, same as original Barbie, but no holes in feet

• #3 Ponytail- '60, blue irises, more gently curved eyebrows

• #4 Ponytail- '60, new vinyl used for body

• #5 Ponytail- '61, new hair texture, hollow, lighter-weight

• Collector Edition- Produced in quantities of more than 35,000, these Barbie dolls are designed for collecting and displaying, and come in showcase packaging that includes a doll stand and a Certificate of Authenticity.

• Limited Edition- Produced in quantities limited to 35,000 or less worldwide, these dolls are limited to specific retailers and feature special fabrics and details that set them apart from other Barbie dolls. They are designed for collecting and displaying, and come in showcase packaging that includes a doll stand and a Certificate of Authenticity.

Investing: The best way to invest in Barbie dolls are to stay informed.  There is much information on the internet and in books and magazines where it is simple to find updates on value or price, or to check if a doll has been put on the Secondary Market.  The most important thing to remember about investing in Barbie is to buy a doll that touches your heart.  Find a doll that you can take good care of and love.

Cleaning: To make sure this method works on your doll, experiment on a part that is not visible.  Use dishwashing liquid and warm water.  For the face, use these products and a cotton swab, being careful not to smudge the delicate face paint.

More Investing Information:

• The first doll in a series is often a good bet to increase in value.
• Many seasoned collectors actually buy two dolls. One to keep in the box and the other to display.
• Some collectors prefer to get all the dolls in a particular series, especially if they plan on displaying their collection.
• Collectors often look for manufacturing deviations such as dolls with slightly different hairstyles, face paint or fabric than used for the majority of a doll's production.
• Consider keeping your dolls in their package to maintain their value. Some of the newer series are specially designed to display this way.
• No one can guarantee that a doll will increase in value. Some dolls appreciate, some lose, and some remain the same.

Barbie can be a fun and exciting doll to collect and cherish, her value is not necessarily all she can be worth.