Every Monday here on Guinnessworldrecords.com, we’ll be dipping into our extensive video library to bring you a classic piece of record-breaking.
This week, as Barbie celebrates her 56th birthday we take a look back at Bettina Dorfmann's extensive record-breaking collection of over 15,000 different Barbie dolls.
Bettina received her first doll back in 1966, but has only been collecting seriously since 1993.
The iconic doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. Barbie was first released by US toy giants Mattel in 1959. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, the name of the daughter of Mattel founders Elliot and Ruth Handler (USA).
Bettina posed for a Guinness World Records photoshoot (see above and below) in October 2011, when her collection surpassed 15,000 dolls.
She received her first doll when she was five years old – but it wasn’t Barbie, it was Midge, Barbie’s best friend.
She’s now the proud owner of an original (and rare) 1959 Barbie. Bettina runs a doll hospital for broken Barbies, where she fixes broken legs, untangles matted hair and replaces missing limbs!
According to Mattel, there are in excess of 100,000 collectors of Barbie dolls worldwide.
But right now, Bettina reigns supreme!
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FAQs
Bettina posed for a Guinness World Records photoshoot (see above and below) in October 2011, when her collection surpassed 15,000 dolls. She received her first doll when she was five years old – but it wasn't Barbie, it was Midge, Barbie's best friend. She's now the proud owner of an original (and rare) 1959 Barbie.
What is the world record for the most Barbie dolls? ›
Well, that's nothing compared to Bettina Dorfmann's collection of a staggering 18,500 dolls. Her love for Barbie has earned her the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Barbie dolls, a title she has held since 2005.
Which collector Barbies are worth money? ›
1959 – The Original Barbie, valued at $27.450. 1965 – Barbie and the Astrovette, valued at $2.500. 1966 – Color Magic Barbie, valued at $6,000. 1974 – Superstar Barbie, valued at $1,250.
What is the most expensive Barbie doll in history? ›
The most expensive Barbie ever sold: Stefano Canturi Barbie
Created by Australian jewelry designer Stefano Canturi, this one-of-a-kind Barbie sold at auction house Christie's in 2010 for $302,500, and the proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, making this a surprisingly feel-good story.
How much is a #1 Barbie? ›
The number one, number two, and number three Barbies have always stayed very strong. The number one Barbie, including everything on display here, would probably sell on the market today in a retail setting for $3,500 to $4,500.
What is the Guinness World Record dolls? ›
In 2005, Bettina achieved a Guinness World Record for her collection, surpassing the previous record of 2,500 dolls held by Tony Mattia from the UK, who had 1,125 dolls at that time. Her awe-inspiring collection includes dolls from the 1959 collection, which makes them truly priceless and unique.
Where is the best place to sell collector Barbie dolls? ›
The best places to sell your Barbie dolls are eBay, Facebook Marketplace, direct to collectors, and to online toy buyers at SellYourToysNow.com.
What is the best selling Barbie doll to date? ›
The 1992 Totally Hair Barbie (shown), the best-selling Barbie doll to date, celebrated the “big hair” craze and loud fashions of the early 90s.
How do I know if my Barbies are worth money? ›
Vintage Barbies – those produced between 1959 and 1966 – tend to be more expensive. As for the newer Barbies, Knutson said collectors should look for platinum or gold label Barbies, which signify Barbies that are rarer and therefore more valuable.
Which holiday Barbies are rare? ›
The most valuable holiday Barbies are from the years 1988-1992. Dolls that are MIB (mint in box) from those years sell for between $40-$200. A set of NRFB (never removed from box) dolls from 1988 to 1998 can sell for around $1,000.
Google Lens can help you identify and price all collectibles such as baseball cards, Beanie Babies, and other toys. Once you identify the doll you can visit an official Barbie doll collectors website or database to get a more detailed idea of its value. Don't get your hopes up too high though.
Are any Barbies from the 90s worth money? ›
Pink Splendor Barbie (1996): $530
Released in 1996 as part of Barbie's 35th anniversary, the rare Pink Splendor Barbie is one of the most expensive Barbies ever sold at retail, originally priced at a whopping $900. If you're inclined to buy this collector's item now, though, you can find her on Amazon for $530.
What is the misprint on the 1997 holiday Barbie? ›
1997 Holiday Barbie Rare Item Misprint. Doll has green eyes, but doll on the back of the box has blue eyes.
How many Barbies are there in total? ›
Since its launch in 1959, over 250 different Barbies have been created, with more than 1 billion dolls sold worldwide.
What is the #1 best selling Barbie? ›
The Totally Hair doll is the best selling Barbie doll in Mattel history, with over 10 million dolls sold worldwide.
Is Barbie 43 years old? ›
Main characters
Barbie's age has fluctuated; she was originally a 19-year-old, but she is often shown as an older character in adult careers. The inaugural episode of Life in the Dreamhouse even jokes that she is over 43 years old. Barbie has three younger sisters: Skipper, Stacie and Chelsea.
Who is the oldest Barbie? ›
In March 1959, a doll named "Barbie" launched onto the American toy market, sporting a black-and-white striped bathing suit, pouty red lips and a sassy blonde ponytail. The leggy, 11-inch plastic figure—full name: Barbara Millicent Roberts—was the first mass-produced toy doll in the U.S. with adult features.
