Original 1959 Ponytail Barbie #1
Mattel • Barbie
Toy Category
Doll
Year Released
1959
Condition
Good condition. Shows light paint wear on lips and fingernails, hair is slightly mussed with some frizzing, original swimsuit has minor fraying, body shows standard aging discoloration typical for vintage vinyl.
Estimated Market Value
1000 - 5000 USD (depending on precise markings, hair color, and mintness)
Description
The iconic original Barbie doll featuring the vintage bubble-cut hairstyle or ponytail with blonde hair, white irises/eyelids, arched eyebrows, red lips, and hoop earrings. She wears the famous black and white zebra-striped strapless swimsuit, white sunglasses with blue lenses, and open-toe black mules.
Market Value
Estimated Market Value
1000 - 5000 USD (depending on precise markings, hair color, and mintness)
Auction Estimate
1200 - 3000 USD
Toy Identity
Edition Details
First Edition, 1959 release, Made in Japan
Model Number
Unknown
Toy Type
11.5 inch fashion doll, vinyl and hard plastic, rigid body with wire armature, painted facial features
Toy Condition
Good condition. Shows light paint wear on lips and fingernails, hair is slightly mussed with some frizzing, original swimsuit has minor fraying, body shows standard aging discoloration typical for vintage vinyl.
Packaging Condition
No Packaging (loose)
Rarity & Significance
Extremely high. This is the holy grail of toy collecting—the very first Barbie doll that launched a multi-billion dollar franchise and revolutionized the toy industry.
Special Features
Includes clear plastic reproduction display stand, original black-and-white striped swimsuit, and vintage-style sunglasses.
Notable Variations
First Edition (1959) dolls feature holes in the feet for the stand, white irises, and specific heavy metal tubing inside the legs. Later 1959-1960 versions had slightly different face paint and nail polish variations.