Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison ends up paying a fortune for a vintage 1959 Barbie doll (marketrealist.com)
It’s a Barbie World! “Pawn Stars” Buys Ultra-Rare 1959 Doll for a Pretty Penny
Even for a seasoned treasure hunter like Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars,” some finds are simply doll-lightful. Recently, the reality TV personality stumbled upon what he dubbed the “Holy Grail” for collectors: a pristine 1959 ‘ponytail’ Barbie, complete with original accessories and a signature from creator Ruth Handler herself. But acquiring this piece of toy history didn’t come cheap.
The excitement was palpable when owner Kim unveiled the iconic Mattel Inc. doll on the show. Harrison, known for his keen eye, immediately recognized its significance, exclaiming he’d “never had a number one Barbie” before.
This particular Barbie wasn’t just any vintage toy; it was one of the very first Barbies ever produced, making its grand debut in March 1959 at a New York City toy fair. Its perfect condition and the inclusion of original sunglasses, a booklet, and a reproduction stand made it a true standout, especially with Handler’s rare autograph.
With such a valuable item on the table, Harrison, ever the shrewd businessman, called in his trusted toy expert, Steve from Rogue Toys. Steve confirmed the doll’s authenticity, noting its solid core, distinctive crayon scent, and the tell-tale white irises and ponytail of a ‘number one’ Barbie.
While unable to fully authenticate the signature, he remarked it looked “very consistent” with Handler’s known autograph. Steve appraised the collectible at a value between $7,500 and $8,000, setting the stage for a classic “Pawn Stars” negotiation.
Kim, hoping to capitalize on the enduring ‘Barbie mania,’ initially sought $10,000. Harrison, with an eye on future resale, countered low at $4,500.
After some back-and-forth, with Kim dropping to $6,000 and Harrison nudging it further down to $5,500, a deal was finally struck. Harrison walked away with a piece of toy history, proving that even the “Pawn Stars” boss can’t resist a truly rare find.
The acquisition sparked a flurry of reactions from fans online. Many viewers suggested such a significant piece, especially with the creator’s signature, truly belonged in a museum.
Others found humor in seeing “three mature guys talking about Barbie” with such expertise. One fan even claimed that a quick search revealed the 1959 Barbie could be valued as high as $24,000, leaving some to wonder if Harrison got an even bigger steal than he realized.
Regardless of its final market value, this ‘ponytail’ Barbie certainly made a splash, reminding everyone that sometimes, the most valuable treasures come in the smallest, most fashionable packages.