Barbie first burst onto the scene in 1959, created by Californian toy company Mattel. Ruth Handler, the doll’s inventor, was inspired by a Bild Lilli doll – a blonde bombshell … See more

“The most valuable dolls tend to be the very limited edition or 'one off' editions,” Simon says, citing the 2014 Karl Lagerfelddoll, of which only 900 were made. These retailed for £135, b… See more

It’s not all about diamonds and designers: an original 1959 doll, which originally retailed for $3, could fetch as much as £25,000 at auction if in mint condition. “As a general rul… See more

“Condition is king when it comes to collectibles,” says Simon. Tim agrees: “The ideal collectors’ Barbie is mint, boxed and unopened, like it was just taken off the shop shelf” – alth… See more