http://www.worldfamousradioshow.com/2011/11/barbie-doll-collecting/
Barbie was designed by a mom – Ruth Handler – after she saw how much her own daughters enjoyed playing with paper dolls. She couldn’t find a more durable alternative so as necessity if the mother of invention, so the first Barbie was created.
Mattel picked up the license for Barbie and introduced to moms and daughters by Mattel in 1959. The toy critics were unimpressed, but the kids loved her – being won over not just by her attractive good looks, but her winning personality too.
Even more than 50 years later, little girls still ask for Barbie toys for Christmas.
If you are looking for dolls to collect, look out for bargains at flea markets and yard sales. Collector’s conventions and eBay will be commanding much higher prices as the seller will be more aware of the value of the doll they have. If you want to make a profit from trading Barbies, you will only be able to do this by buying cheap, so keep that in mind when you decide where to shop.
New collectible Barbie’s are still being launched, but before you buy be sure to do your research into how many editions of that doll will be sold – the fewer the better.