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10 Most Expensive Barbies in the World (Updated 2023)

Since she was released in 1959 Ruth Handler wanted to fill a gap in the toy market. Barbie has become a pop-culture icon and remains one of the most popular dolls of all time. Through the generations, Barbie has proven to be more than a doll, and different dolls are collected by thousands of people around the world.

With so many special editions and unique dolls, there’s no limit to the number of dolls that people can collect, and while some of these dolls will only cost twenty bucks or so to call your own, the most expensive Barbie in the World will likely be much more expensive than most people could afford.

Read on to discover what the most expensive Barbie doll is as well as nine others that make the top ten list of most expensive Barbie. Whether you’re a collector or simply have fond memories of Barbie dolls, you likely know that no matter the big price tag, few things can compare to the sentimental value that people feel when they see Barbie dolls.

How We Compiled This List

The goal of creating this list was to find the most expensive Barbies in the world. With so many Barbies that have been sold throughout history, narrowing down the list can be a challenge, but with a clear methodology, we were able to compile a list of the Barbies that have sold for the most money.

The following parameters and techniques shaped our list:

  • There are lots of ways that we could define the word expensive. For example, we could have chosen to compare Barbies based on retail prices, adjusted for inflation. Instead, we chose to rank Barbies based on their highest sales prices, whether they were originally sold at that price or were sold second-hand. Thus, some Barbies do not average nearly as high as their most expensive price, but we have prioritized the highest documented price.
  • In this list, both online and in-person auctions have all been included as well as charity auctions.
  • We began by compiling a list of prominent Barbie dolls and releases. We used archives, press releases, news reports, and other similar content to get a preliminary list of potential barbies.
  • Once we had a starting point of the Barbies to further research, we looked into known auctions to determine what prices Barbies were sold at. We could then rank the Barbies.
  • It was also important to get the context of why the Barbies were so expensive to showcase what factors lead to higher value.

These parameters help us know that we are creating a list that is as reliable as possible and gives the richest information about the most expensive Barbie doll in the world.

10. Devi Kroell Barbie

  • Release Date: 2010
  • Sold For: #1,075

The David Kroell Barbie was created in 2010 for the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s charity auction, and it sold for a substantial $1,075. This Barbie is both glamorous and just a little flashy.

With a classic black dress and gold, thigh-high boots, this Barbie takes the classic sensibility of Barbie and adds a little glitz and glamor. Thus Barbie even has a sparkly pink purse and chunky bangle to complete her look. Designer David Kroell was not shy about giving his Barbie plenty of accessories.

This brunette Barbie is one of a kind, which makes her stand out even more as one of the most special (and expensive) Barbies ever made.

9. Pink Jubilee Barbie

  • Release Date: 1989
  • Sold For: $1,300

If you’re a lover of 1980s fashion, you’ll love the Pink Jubilee Barbie, which was released in 1989 and has sold for as high as $1,300. Some listings on eBay are even higher with prices up to $2,500, so sooner or later this Barbie might beat her own highest price!

This Barbie was made to celebrate Barbie’s 30th anniversary. Only 1200 Pink Jubilee Barbies were ever made, which is why her price tends to be so high. She is in high demand for collectors. With her big shoulder pads and even bigger hair, this Barbie would be right in place in an 80s time capsule.

While there aren’t many of this glitzy Barbie, she is one that collectors can actually get their hands on compared to some of the Barbies on this list that were never made for the mass markets.

8. Enchanted Evening Barbie

  • Release Date: 1961
  • Sold For: $1,670

One of the most glamorous Barbies of all time is the Enchanted Evening Barbie. With her stunning pink evening gown, faux fur stole, and long white gloves, this Barbie embodies vintage charm and elegance. It’s no wonder this doll is worth $1,670.

Even for non-mint versions of this doll, you’re looking at paying hundreds of dollars to call this 1960s Barbie one of your own.  After all, she is one of the earliest Barbies available and remains a beloved part of Barbie history.

If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these Barbies, you may not be able to afford the original version of the classic Barbie, but an official 1990s reproduction of Enchanted Evening Barbie can give you the same effect for a fraction of the cost.

7. Marie Antoinette Barbie

  • Release Date: 2003
  • Sold For: $3,000

The Marie Antoinette Barbie is a special edition that was produced in 2003. This unique rendering of the iconic Barbie pays homage to the historical French figure with the doll that immortalizes her memory.

She’s decked out in an elaborate gown that is inspired by the era in which Marie Antoinette lived in France. The current estimated auction value is estimated to be anywhere between $1,250 to $3,000 based on auction prices.

If you have one that you’re willing to part with, you may be able to sell it for this price or even more. The Marie Antoinette Barbie is the seventh most expensive Barbie doll in history.

6. Karl Lagerfeld Barbie

  • Release Date: 2014
  • Sold For: $5,275

Designer Karl Lagerfeld is known for his tailored silhouettes, rocky elements, and classic Parisian accents, and the designer’s characteristic comes through in his Barbie, who has an androgynous, edgy look.

900 of these Barbies were sold through Net-a-Porter, and they sold out immediately, leading to listings on eBay to immediately skyrocket to more than $3000. In the years since, the Barbie has sold for even more and has sold for up to $5,275.

There’s no doubt that the Karl Lagerfeld Barbie has an aesthetic unlike any other Barbie, which is likely why this Barbie was in such high demand and remains sought after by collectors.

 5. Lorraine Schwartz Barbie

  • Release Date: 2010
  • Sold For: $7,500

The fifth most expensive Barbie doll is the Lorraine Schwartz Barbie. This extra special edition was produced in 2010, so it’s relatively new compared to some of the older Barbies on this list, but it’s not so much the age of the doll that makes it so valuable.

It’s the fact that it’s the unique design of famed designer Lorraine Schwartz, combined with the jewelry that Barbie is wearing. There is a tiny diamond letter “B” that is encrusted on the waist of this Barbie.

That’s right! They’re real diamonds. In addition to this, Schwartz has designed clothing for Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and other A-list celebrities. If you have one of these lying around, one of these red-haired Barbie dolls sold at an auction for $7,500. But only twelve of these were made, so it’s unlikely most people will encounter one.

4. Celebration 2000 Barbie

  • Release Date: 2000
  • Sold For: $11,000

Mint versions of the Celebration 2000 Barbie have been sold for up to $11,000, and some mint versions of this Barbie continue to be listed on eBay in that price range. However, most of the celebration 2000 Barbies are going to be much less expensive.

This Barbie was released to celebrate the new millennium, and this Barbie is appropriately decked out. Wearing a big golden ball gown with snowflakes, a snow-white stole, and a glimmering crown, this Barbie speaks to the princess in us all.

The exciting news is that while past collectors have paid a lot of money to get this doll in your hands, online shopping makes it easier to find a more affordable version of this doll, so you likely won’t have to pay thousands of dollars for your own version of the celebration 2000 Barbie.

3. Original Barbie

  • Release Date: 1959
  • Sold For: $27,450

If you have an original Barbie doll that was released in 1959, then you have something very special. The first Barbie doll ever made came with golden hair, blue eye shadow, and a white bathing suit. Originally, she only sold for $3, but she has certainly increased in value.

This is one of the most rare Barbie Dolls, particularly if it is in mint conditions. One of these dolls sold at auction for $8,000 and it wasn’t even in the best condition. People are willing to pay a lot of money for this doll because she is so collectible.

If yours is still in the box or if there are no signs of wear or damage, it can be worth a lot of money. The original Barbie was made in two editions though. The first edition is worth the most money and it was made with holes in the bottom of her feet. The second edition does not have the holes. The blonde version of the classic Barbie is also more expensive than the brunette one, but the brunette one won’t do too badly at auction either.

2.  De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie

  • Release Date: 1999
  • Sold For: $85,000

The second most expensive Barbie doll in history is an ultra-rare edition that was the result of a collaboration between the doll’s manufacturer, Mattel and the famous De Beers jewelry retailer. This Barbie is no doubt a luxury Barbie, which correlates with her unbelievable price tag.

Matel and De Beers got together to create this elaborate Barbie doll to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Barbie doll in 1999. They outfitted Barbie with a full-length sheer skirt, a fancy gold bikini top, and a tangerine wrap that matched the outfit and tied it all together. Da Beers certainly brought Barbie a less conventional look for her anniversary, but that’s one of the reasons people are so intrigued by this Barbie.

The most elaborate detail of this Barbie’s attire is the accessory belt that is made with 160 genuine diamonds, compliments of DeBeers. One of these rare and expensive Barbie dolls was sold at auction for a whopping $85,000.

1. Stefano Canturi Barbie

  • Release Date: 2010
  • Sold For: $302,500

The most expensive Barbie doll in history is the Stefani Canturi Barbie, valued at a mind-boggling $302,500. This highly prized collectible was manufactured in 2010 with elegant blonde hair and traditional Barbie features. It may be hard to believe that a doll could ever be worth that much, but when you see all the details that make her so luxurious, you’ll start to realize why she sold for so much.

Two things make this Barbie so very special. The first is that her jewelry was designed by Stefano Canturi, who named the doll Stefano Barbie. He designed the necklace she wears, and it’s not cheap costume jewelry. The necklace is made of emerald-cut Australian pink diamond, which alone costs around $300,000. Each gem is a carat. The rare stones are encircled with an additional three carats of white diamonds that glitter and sparkle. The designer wanted to capture Cubist elements while still respecting Barbie’s classic style.

This Barbie sold for $302,500 at auction, but one of the best things about this special edition is that it was created to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an extremely worthy cause. This Barbie is truly one of a kind, so it’s no wonder that is worth more than any other Barbie that has gone to auction.

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Benjamin Smith

Written by Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is one of the managing editors of Moneyinc. Ben's been focusing on the auto and motorcycle sector since 2005. He's written over 1000 articles in the space and continues to learn about it each day. His favorite car is "any Bugatti" and he's a die hard Harley Davidson fan.

Read more posts by Benjamin Smith

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