What are the most expensive Barbie dolls? How much are they worth?

In case you hadn’t noticed, Barbie is back in the big time (if she was ever out of it). Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy movie, starring Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, has brought the Mattel fashion doll into the forefront of many of our minds over the last few weeks. Wearing pink must have soared to an all-time high.

Barbillion at the global box office

Since its release in theatres on 21 July, the film took just 17 days to smash through the $1 billion-mark at the global box office, which has seen it break into the top 10 of the fastest-grossing movies in history.

And, of course, the knock-on effect will have seen millions of “older” Barbie fans rummage through their loft searching for their beloved dolls of yesteryear, while the film will create a whole new generation of fans that will keep Mattel’s pockets full for years to come.

Mattel’s unexpected profits

Indeed, in the last few weeks, the LA-based toy manufacturer has reported a $27 billion increase in profits, significantly more than they’d been anticipating. Thanks, Greta and Warner Bros.

But could you also be sitting on a gold mine? Well, it depends on which Barbies you have lying around in your attic. Unfortunately, however, you’re unlikely to threaten the top of the list of the most expensive Barbies ever sold.

Stefano Canturi Barbie: the most expensive Barbie

The most expensive Barbie in history was, you won’t be surprised to hear, a one-of-a-kind doll made by Australian jewellery design Stefano Canturi. This particular Barbie sports a diamond necklace around her neck (its centre stone is a square-cut, 1-carat rare pink diamond that was found in Australia’s Argyle mine) and a diamond ring to go with it.

Sold for $302,500 at Christie’s auction house in 2010, the proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

De Beers Barbie: the second-most expensive Barbie

Stefano Canturi Barbie is, in fact, well out in front, with De Beers Barbie, made by diamond jeweller De Beers for Barbie’s 40th anniversary, selling for $85,000 in 1999. Another single-edition doll, this Barbie’s evening gown, bikini top and sheer skirt has 160 diamonds and white-gold accessories.

Original Barbie: the third-most expensive Barbie

Now, this is where things get interesting for most of us. If you, or someone you know, happened to buy an original Barbie for $3 in 1959, you could be in business.

The Original Barbie, wearing a black-and-white strapless one-piece bathing suit, has iconic status, with bidders willing to pay as much as $27,000 for one in mint condition. Time to rummage through those old boxes. The originals are always the best, aren’t they?

Other expensive Barbies

According to Money Inc and Artnet, these Barbies round off the list of those that will set you back the most if you’re buying, or make you a pretty penny or two if you’re selling: