Evening Sophisticate, by Robert Best. Seventh Mattel designer to be featured in the Classique Collection.
Collecting:
Mattel estimates that there are well over 100,000 avid Barbie collectors. Ninety percent are women, at an average age of 40, purchasing more than twenty Barbie dolls each year. Forty-five percent of them spend upwards of $1000 a year. Vintage Barbie dolls from the early years are the most valuable atauction, and while the original Barbie was sold for $3.00 in 1959, a mint boxed Barbie from 1959 sold for $3552.50 oneBay Mattel has sold a wide range of Barbie dolls aimed specifically at collectors, includingporcelainversions, vintage reproductions.
As long as doll is in original condition a damaged box or no box, price variance is minimal. Barbie has been known to be displayed in glass cabinets to be enjoyed by everyone.
