If you know which doll you have, here is how to find out what the doll is worth.
Difficulty Level: Medium Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Determine the condition of your doll.
- The 14th Blue Book of Dolls by Jan Foulke and Doll Values by Patsy Moyer are good starting places to determine "book value" of your doll.
- If you have a Barbie, Madame Alexander, composition doll or another doll from a popular category, you can also consult specialized books to determine book value.
- Most book values are for dolls in excellent condition. If your doll is less than excellent, your doll may be worth much less. Modern Barbies and other post-1960 dolls are often quoted for NRFB or MIB prices--if you doll does not have the box, deduct 50%.
- Book values are useful but won't tell you the actual market value of your doll. For market value, search online auctions such as eBay.
- To find market value on eBay, go to the Dolls section. Check the "Search only in Dolls" box. Form your search and send it. This takes you to Current Auctions--click on "Search Completed Auctions."
- Now, check the closing auction prices in the Completed Auctions area. Be SURE to open up the individual auctions, since prices for dolls that don't meet reserves will be unnaturally low.
- The closing auction prices give you a fair idea of market value. Dolls often sell for more than online auction prices at doll shops, auction houses and doll shows,
- You can also research doll values at doll shows, live auctions, and at web sites selling dolls.
- If all else fails, you can find doll appraisers at doll shows and online which will appraise dolls for fees (internet appraisals are available at theriaults.com, $14.95 each and eppraisals.com, $20 each).
- Condition is all-important! Dolls that are dirty, played with and without their original clothes, or dolls that are damaged are often valued at a fraction of book value.
- Doll sales to dealers are usually at 40 to 60% of book
value. This helps cover a dealer's overhead and allows the dealer a
small profit in reselling the doll.
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