Barbie got her start in 1959.Barbie dolls are

Early Barbie doll collecting is an interesting hobby.They may be found in thrift stores,flea markets and garage sales.The average person has no idea of what an early Barbie looks like or that it is worth quite a bit. If you want to collect early Barbies carry a magnifier with you. This will enable you to read the date of manufacture and copyright on the back.

The dolls's condition is extremely important.A doll which is complete,undamaged and all original is desirable to collectors.If parts are missing or replaced this downgrades the doll considearbly. Any attempts to paint the doll will destroy much of its value.Better to leave the doll in faded condition as it is worth more than a painted doll. Some early Barbies were made from a plastic which fades to white as it ages. Don't ever try to restore the original color.

If the doll is all original,in excellent condition and has its original box or package this is a premium doll to collectors and will fetch top price.

An old Barbies ears will at times turn green. This is due to corrosion of the earrings and lowers the value of the doll. Limbs can turn brittle with age and break off. The face of the doll is very important.The paint on the face and features should be intact and bright.Paint on the lips, fingernails and toenails should also be in good condition. The value of the doll depends on small things like this which collectors look for.

The oldest dolls made from 1959 through early 1960s are of course the hardest to find in good condition. They have been played with for many years often which results in a lot of wear and damage. Hence if you find a really nice doll from this period,which is in exceptional condition, you have something quite scarce which collectors will pay for. You will probably rummage through many boxes of dolls at garage sales and flea markets before you find a 1959 Barbie but they are out there and the thrill of the hunt is all part of the game. Would you like to know where you can find lots of collectible Barbies? Well --