Top 10 Rarest & Hard to Find Barbies

In February 1989, Mattel celebrated Barbie’s 30th anniversary with the Pink Jubilee Barbie. She was all about ‘80s glam and ready to party in a striking metallic gown. And because she was created in the era of excess, everything was big – hair, jewelry, and yes, shoulder pads. Each guest attending the party at New York’s Lincoln Center reportedly received one of the limited edition dolls. Mattel only produced 1200 of them, making this a super exclusive gift. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on this beauty, expect to dole out $800-900.

Mattel and Barbie have worked with several fashion designers over the decades. In 2010, the company unveiled their new line of diverse dolls wearing little black dresses. But the “Barbie Basics” collection was far from, well, basic. Twelve special dolls were styled by some of the top designers at the time, including Devi Kroell. The accessories designer’s Barbie wore a black wrap dress and golden thigh-high boots with a bedazzled pink purse. Kroell’s one of a kind doll went for $1,075 at a Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) auction for charity.

Fashion designers Phillipe and David Blond, aka The Blonds, are known for their celebrity clientele. The duo thrilled everyone by working with Mattel’s principal designer Bill Greening to construct Pink Diamond Barbie. The sparkling beauty was decked out in shades of – you guessed – pink. Her fuschia mini dress and matching shoes were elevated with gems by hand. Her pink jewelry is equally dazzling and the light pink coat faux fur pulls the whole over-the-top look together. Making her debut at New York Fashion Week, Pink Diamond Barbie’s value was pegged at $15,000, and she was auctioned off for the MAC Aids Fund organization.

She’s the doll that started it all, so it’s no surprise that OG Barbie – full name Barbara Millicent Roberts – is a rare find. The date was March 9, 1959, when Mattel introduced the doll at the American International Toy Fair in New York. She sported a one-piece striped bathing suit with dangling hoop earrings, white cat eye sunglasses, and a ponytail. And while Barbie is known for her blonde hair, the original doll also came as a brunette. Believe it or not, Barbie only cost $3 in the early days. In 1994, Mattel released a reproduction of the doll which you can find for under $100. But for a vintage mint condition original, the price can reportedly be over $25,000.

Barbie is no stranger to the fashion industry. Her first job was a teenage model, after all. Mattel crafted its Karl Lagerfeld Barbie to resemble the German fashion designer, emulating his iconic icy blonde ponytail, largely black ensemble, and crisp white, high-collar shirt. And it wouldn’t be a truly Karl look without the signature shades and fingerless gloves. The chic outfit also included a belt with a buckle displaying Lagerfeld’s profile. Upon release in September 2014, luxury retailer Net-a-Porter, who reportedly carried the $200 exclusive doll, sold out almost immediately. If you manage to track one down on eBay, don’t be surprised if you end up handing over more than $11,000.

We all know Barbie can wear anything, but pink is undeniably her color. But is it any wonder when she pulls it off so well? Pink Splendor Barbie has it all. The gorgeous light pink ball gown screams elegance, with glittering gold accents and roses down the back. Even her hair is grand, with a tall braided updo. Reportedly just 10 000 of the dolls were made, and with an initial $900 price tag, you’d be hard-pressed to find a pricier retail Barbie. If you love all the extravagant pink and sparkle, then Pink Splendor Barbie is perfect for your collection. But it’ll set you back a good amount!

You’ve likely seen De Beers jewels on your favorite celebs like Rihanna and Selena Gomez. Back in 1999, Mattel joined forces with the luxury jewelry retailer to design a special edition doll to commemorate Barbie’s 40th anniversary. This ultra rare creation was eye-catching in her laid-back pink and orange sheer ensemble and long dark hair. And if anything could distract from the doll’s bejeweled barely-there bikini top, it’s definitely the 160-diamond encrusted belt. The De Beers Barbie reportedly cost $85,000, making it one of the most expensive out there.

When Mattel released their Women of Royalty Series, we got none other than the Marie Antoinette Barbie, modeled after the 18th century Queen of France, has an exquisitely intricate design. Her extravagant layered pale blue court dress is adorned in bows with gold detail that’s nothing short of show-stopping. She also dons a feather headpiece, as well as a necklace and has roses in her hand. True to her real life counterpart, the Marie Antoinette Barbie is a vision of utter opulence. And to no surprise, this regal Barbie costs a pretty penny, with most priced over $2,000.

Like fellow designer Devi Kroell, Lorraine Schwartz created a doll for Mattel’s “Barbie Basics” collection in 2010. Naturally, the jeweler's doll was dripping in diamonds, including dangling earrings, multiple breathtaking bracelets, detailing on her heels, and a diamond encrusted "B" around her waist. Keeping with the classic LBD theme, she wore a short black dress with the long scarf. But aside from the bling, the red hair really made her stand out among the others. Schwartz’s Barbie apparently sold at the CFDA’s charity auction for $7,500. But it was reportedly valued at $25,000.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Bob Mackie Starlight Splendor Barbie
Mackie’s Fancy Black & Silver-Sequined Beauty Is Striking

Midnight Tuxedo Barbie
This Barbie Collector Club-Exclusive Serves Drama & Elegance in a Sleek, Tux-Inspired Gown

Happy Holidays Barbie
Being the First in a Long Line of Festive Barbies Makes This Belle of the Ball a Hard Find

Benefit Ball Barbie
One of Mattel Fashion Designer Carol Spencer’s Signature Creations

Twist ‘N Turn Barbie
A Flexible Innovation from Barbie’s Mod Years

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and apparently, that goes for Barbie, too. Australian jewelry designer Stefano Canturi was meticulous in crafting the ultimate white diamond choker for a special edition Barbie. Which he fittingly designed around a particular centerpiece. And that’s saying nothing of the ring! Meanwhile, her high-fashion ponytail and mini party dress allow the jewels to really shine. In 2010, the only Stefano Canturi Barbie in existence was auctioned for a whopping $302,500 with proceeds for the pricey doll going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The doll was dubbed “the most valuable Barbie in history.”