Most Expensive Barbie Dolls

Written by: jeremy Filed Under: Collectibles, Fashion on September 5th, 2008

World's Most Expensive Barbie - 1959 Barbie No. 1
1959 No. 1 Barbie

The first Barbie dolls were introduced by Mattel, Inc. in 1959. Produced in Japan, their clothing was hand-stitched by home workers. Creator Ruth Handler based them on a German doll called Bild Lilli, which was itself based on a comic strip character. Since then, of course, the Barbie doll has become a household name. Having been around that long, Barbie’s been through quite a few editions.

On her 40th birthday, for instance, we were introduced to the most expensive Barbie doll at the time. Created by jeweler De Beers, this unique Barbie’s dress is covered in diamonds—160 of them, to be exact. She also wears 18k white gold jewelry. This expensive Barbie has an extraordinary price tag of $85,000.

For those who prefer the nostalgia factor to the bling factor, the most expensive classic Barbie is naturally the very first—Barbie No. 1. Featuring a ponytail and zebra-striped bathing suit, this vintage Barbie doll is considerably cheaper than the De Beers Barbie at an estimated $8,000.

Currently, the world’s most expensive Barbie doll is one that was introduced in Mexico City. The doll was created to promote a new Barbie movie, Barbie and the Diamond Castle. According to Giancarlo Melloni, Barbie’s brand manager in Mexico, the film has themes near and dear to the hearts of young women—“friendship, music and shiny jewels.”

World's Most Expensive Barbie Dolls - Barbie and the Diamond Castle
Barbie and the Diamond Castle promotional doll

Mr. Melloni is clearly breaking new ground there.

The most expensive Barbie doll was not created for sale but has been valued at 1 million pesos (US $95,361). It features a total of 318 diamonds weighing in at 20.66 carats. Forty-four of the gems decorate her dress while the rest adorn her white gold accessories.


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(16) Comments

16 comments...What do you think?

  1. Posted by paul skinback 26th November, 2008 at 7:21 am

    these prices are ricidulas and i rather watch fishing from a fishes point of view.

  2. Posted by Yo Yo Joe 6th April, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    WHO THE HECK WOULD PAY THAT MUCH FOR A BARBIE DOLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. Posted by Ogechi I. 3rd June, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    The barbie is beautiful and covered with diamonds so its worth it.

  4. Posted by issy 13th June, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    this is most likely to be one of the greatest barbie doll outfits that ever hit earth but i dont like how it was put on a diamond castle doll. they should have made something MUCH more unique it would have been a greater hit. i wish though that i could own such a doll like this ;)

  5. Posted by heart surgery 23rd June, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    I grew up with Barbie Dolls, even had the original Barbie herself as well as the first Ken. Many a day I wish I still had those dolls for their collectible value. It’s been fun watching her change and develop over the years, same with her clothes and the houses, cars and even pets.

  6. Posted by Kirsty Green 5th October, 2009 at 11:22 am

    That doll is not for sale. It is a publicity stunt.

  7. Posted by Elizabeth Gardner 29th October, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    I would much rather have the first barbie doll ever to have been created. Knowing that was the first barbie to ever make a child smile means more then a bunch of diamonds stuck on a dress for money.

  8. Posted by Laura 14th November, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    I really think that the dolls diamonds are beautiful but I think they should NOT have put the diamonda onto a “barbie and the diamond castle” doll (yuck!) they should have put barbie into a more chic dress making the barbie look even more valuable then it all ready is! When I first saw this picture I really thought the diamonds were fake! Can you blame me though? I really think this out-fit was a failure to the barbie company…They should hire me to help them next time!

  9. Posted by tania 7th December, 2009 at 9:11 am

    waaooooooooooooooooooooo wat a sweet dool
    waoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
    zooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

  10. Posted by Bethany 13th December, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Barbie is really weird. Shes had like over 42 pets( including a Chimpanzee Zebra, and Lion cub) , 6 sisters and brother (but no parents), two cousins(still no adults!), 80 jobs(WOW fired much?), and only what two boyfriends? Shes hard to follow!

  11. Posted by rach 26th December, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    My friend has a doll that looks just like that!!! :D Cool!

  12. Posted by jonae 2nd January, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    that barbie doll looks worthless and old

  13. Posted by Celsiy 30th January, 2010 at 12:38 am

    these barbies i saw at walmart so stupid!!!

  14. Posted by clarissawashere 30th January, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    COOl, but u still gotts FIND someone to PAY that much for the stupid thing

  15. Posted by awesum 30th January, 2010 at 9:21 pm

    LOL it would totally suck if a little kid flushed it down the toilet!

  16. Posted by joychristinedacanay 18th February, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    we love barbie…my daughter love it so much…the price worth it…

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