Bubblecut Barbie
Mattel • Barbie Line
Toy Category
Doll
Year Released
1962
Condition
Good/Very Good; the hair appears slightly matted and messy, and there is visible green ear staining on the left side of the face caused by oxidation from original metal earrings. Body appears intact with original paint on fingers.
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 - $175.00
Description
Vintage Barbie doll with a red 'Bubblecut' hairstyle. She is wearing the iconic original black and white striped swimsuit. The doll features side-glancing eyes (blue), hand-painted facial features, and red nail polish on her fingers.
Market Value
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 - $175.00
Auction Estimate
$80.00 - $130.00
Toy Identity
Edition Details
Stock release Barbie, manufactured in Japan (noted by marking on right buttock)
Model Number
#850
Toy Type
11.5-inch plastic fashion doll with basic articulation (neck, shoulders, hips)
Toy Condition
Good/Very Good; the hair appears slightly matted and messy, and there is visible green ear staining on the left side of the face caused by oxidation from original metal earrings. Body appears intact with original paint on fingers.
Packaging Condition
No Packaging
Rarity & Significance
Highly collectible; while not as rare as the Number 1 ponytail Barbie, the early 1960s Bubblecuts are foundational pieces for vintage Barbie collections and represent a significant shift in 1960s hair trends.
Special Features
Original black and white striped knit swimsuit; red hand-painted fingernails and toes.
Notable Variations
This specific doll is a 'Small Lips' or 'Midge/Barbie' body era doll. Hair colors varied from titian (shown) to blonde, brunette, and raven. Later iterations of the Bubblecut had fuller hair compared to early 1961 releases.