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How To Grade a Barbie's Condition

By Denise Van Patten, About.com

Here's how to determine the condition of your Barbie, using the A.Glenn Mandeville C1 to C10 Grading System.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

  1. Examine your doll thoroughly.  Note any original packaging, defects, facial paint, hair, and marks.  Be honest in your assessment!
  2. Is your doll factory fresh, NRFB or MIB with all tags, accessories and original clothing, never played with and with no flaws?  Congratulations!  Your doll is condition C-10.
  3. Is your doll never played with, and with no flaws but without its original packaging, your doll is mint and a very desirable C-9.
  4. If your doll is not mint, but very close--maybe handled a few times, dressed and undressed,  but with original hairstyle, all-original fresh face-paint and original clothing, (and no flaws!)  your doll is a C-8.
  5. Doll is still all-original, but has definitely been played with; not fresh and crisp.  Doll is a C-7.
  6. If you see some defects, such as green-ear pin dots, faded brows, lip rubs, skin fading on TNTs, you have a C-6.  Some parts of original outfit may be missing.  
  7. If your doll has been REALLY played with--hair out of its style and face paint definitely faded/rubbed in various places, you have a C-5.  Doll is still in one piece; but it needs some restoration/attention.
  8. You can start crying about your doll's condition if you have read this far!  If your doll has been heavily loved, and has defects such as cut hair, missing digits, or other problems requiring very heavy restor-ation work, your doll is a C-4.
  9. Hmm---well, if you are looking here, your doll is in sad shape!  With some work, perhaps the doll can still be displayable, and she is a C-3.
  10. If your doll cannot be repaired but has several parts that can be used, you have a C-2.
  11. If your doll looks like the dog has eaten it, or its been caught in the lawn mower, or for any reason only one or two parts are useable for anything, then your poor doll is a C-1.

Tips:

  1. Most doll collectors are looking for dolls in the C-8 to C-10 range.  
  2. Most prices in doll price guides are for C-10s, NRFB, and sometimes for C-8s.  Deduct value accordingly if your doll is C-7 or below.

What You Need:

  • Barbie doll
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