The color 219 Barbie refers to a rare vintage Barbie doll released in 1959 with a particular shade of hair and makeup. Only 1,000 dolls with this coloration were produced, making them highly sought-after by collectors today. But why is this specific color so significant in Barbie history? Let’s take a closer look.
The Origins of Barbie’s Color 219
When Barbie was first released by Mattel in 1959, she came in two different hair colors – blonde and brunette. The blonde Barbies were assigned the color code #219 by Mattel, indicating a particular shade of platinum blonde hair and light peach skin tone and makeup.
The shade was formulated by Mattel designer Charlotte Johnson specifically for Barbie. It was meant to capture the All-American glamour and youthfulness that Mattel wanted Barbie to portray. The peachy complexion and ultra-light blonde hair evoked a California beach blonde look that was fashionable and aspirational at the time.
Out of the 350,000 first-year Barbies produced, only about 1,000 were manufactured using the 219 hair and makeup design. This was because Mattel had limited supplies of the hair dye needed to produce that precise platinum shade.
The Rarity and Value of #219 Barbie Today
For collectors today, finding a Barbie with the original 219 coloring is incredibly rare and valuable. It’s estimated that only about 100 of these dolls still exist in mint condition with their original box and accessories.
In recent years, verified original #219 Barbies have sold for $25,000 to $40,000 at auction. Even dolls without the complete set can fetch several thousand dollars depending on condition.
Here’s a table summarizing some notable sale prices for #219 Barbie dolls:
| Year Sold | Doll Condition | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Mint in box with accessories | $25,000 |
| 2015 | Mint in box with accessories | $38,000 |
| 2018 | Doll only, some wear | $3,000 |
| 2020 | Mint in box with accessories | $40,000 |
As you can see, the better the condition with original packaging and clothes, the higher the value. But even dolls in played-with condition are worth much more than standard vintage Barbie dolls thanks to their rare 219 hair and makeup.
Why is Barbie #219 So Valuable Today?
There are several key factors that drive the high value of an original Barbie #219 doll for collectors:
- Extreme rarity – With as few as 100 known to still exist, these dolls are incredibly scarce.
- Historical significance – It represents the very first production run of Barbie.
- Cultural meaning – The #219 look epitomizes the All-American glamour that Barbie has represented for decades.
- High demand – Wealthy collectors compete to own a piece of Barbie history.
- Excellent investment – Prices have steadily risen over time as more dolls disappear into private collections.
Owning an authentic #219 Barbie gives collectors the chance to own a cultural icon in its rarest and most sought-after form. It represents the genesis of Barbie as a global phenomenon that has now lasted over 60 years.
Authenticating an Original #219 Barbie
For sellers and buyers dealing with potential #219 Barbies, authenticating the doll is crucial. Some key signs that indicate an original 1959 Mattel Barbie with the 219 coloration include:
- Platinum blonde hair and eyebrows, known as “brownette” eyebrows
- Black irises in the eyes
- Specific pinkish-peach makeup on the face and lips
- Black eyeliner only on the top lid
- Straight legs that do not bend at the knees
- Markings that say “Barbie” and “Mattel Inc.” on the doll body
- Black and gold zebra stripe swimsuit with “Barbie” written on the leg band
Reproductions and fake #219 dolls may try to mimic some of these details, but experts can spot inconsistencies. Genuine dolls also often come with documentation about their provenance from previous owners and authentication certificates from Barbie collectors groups.
The Legacy of Barbie #219
While only a small number were made, Barbie #219 has an outsized significance in the Barbie universe. It represents:
- A pivotal moment in toy history when Barbie first captured girls’ imaginations.
- A shift towards more grown-up fashion dolls rather than just baby and toddler dolls.
- The beginning of Barbie as a cultural icon and multi-billion dollar brand.
- Barbie’s original “golden girl” look that influenced her image for decades after.
Although the #219 dolls are almost impossible to find now, they launched the worldwide Barbie phenomenon back in 1959. This rare vintage doll remains a holy grail item for serious Barbie collectors and fans looking to own an iconic piece of toy history.
Conclusion
Barbie doll #219 marks a significant “first” in the Barbie universe. With its platinum blonde hair and light peachy makeup, only 1,000 of these early Barbie dolls were produced in 1959. Today, authentic #219 dolls are highly prized by collectors and can sell for as much as $40,000.
These ultra-rare Barbies represent the genesis of an iconic global toy brand. Owning one provides a tangible link back to Barbie’s origins and emergence as a cultural symbol. From an investable asset to an important pop culture artifact, Barbie #219 carries a unique significance unmatched by almost any other toy.