Vintage Barbie 1959 1960 Ponytail Dolls: Barbie #1, #2, and #3 Value and Identification Guide

Few collectibles spark as much excitement among serious doll collectors as original vintage Barbie #1, #2, and #3 ponytail dolls from 1959 and 1960. We regularly hear from people who are trying to figure out whether they have a true 1959 first issue Barbie with holes in her feet, what the difference is between Barbie #2 and Barbie #3, or what an early ponytail Barbie might actually be worth in today’s market. These first three releases, introduced by Ruth Handler and produced by Mattel, laid the foundation for what would become the most successful fashion doll line in history. They remain the most sought after by advanced collectors.

Let’s start with the 1959 vintage Barbie #1 ponytail doll in the iconic black and white zebra striped swimsuit. If you are researching how to identify an original Barbie #1, there are a few critical details to look for. The most important is the presence of small holes in the bottoms of her feet, designed to fit the original metal stand. Her right foot should be marked Japan. She has sharply arched eyebrows, dramatic heavy eyeliner, and a very defined facial expression that gives her that unmistakable early Barbie look. Production of Barbie #1 was relatively short lived, and because these dolls were actually played with, finding one in truly excellent, untouched condition is increasingly difficult. When an example surfaces with strong face paint, no green ear, no nose nips, an intact ponytail, and the original swimsuit and accessories, it immediately stands out in the marketplace.

Later in 1959, subtle manufacturing changes resulted in what collectors refer to as the vintage Barbie #2 ponytail doll. If you are wondering how to tell the difference between Barbie #1 and Barbie #2, the simplest answer is this. Barbie #2 does not have holes in her feet. Otherwise, she looks very similar at first glance, wearing the same zebra striped swimsuit and maintaining the same overall styling. There can be slight differences in vinyl tone and face paint, but the no holes in feet detail is the quickest way to distinguish her. While Barbie #2 is marginally more available than #1, condition still drives value. Collectors looking for investment quality early Barbies prioritize originality above all else, no repainting, no replaced parts, and ideally minimal restoration.

By 1960, the vintage Barbie #3 ponytail doll marked a period of growing popularity and expanding production. If you are trying to identify a 1960 Barbie #3, you will often notice blue eyeliner, although brown eyeliner examples exist as well. The facial screening appears slightly softer than the earliest dolls, but she retains the classic ponytail silhouette that defines the early era. Production numbers increased as Barbie’s popularity surged, yet high grade examples are still far from common. Dolls with vibrant face paint, even skin tone, tight limbs, and an uncut topknot remain highly desirable.

One of the most common questions we receive is about value. What determines the market price of a 1959 or 1960 ponytail Barbie. The answer always comes back to four factors. Condition, originality, completeness, and authenticity. A vintage Barbie #1 with holes in her feet, strong brows, no green ear, and original accessories will command significantly more attention than one with repainting or replacement parts. The same holds true for Barbie #2 and #3. Serious collectors know the difference, and the market reflects it.

There is also something intangible about these first three issues. Before Malibu tans, Superstar smiles, and decades of evolving styles, these early ponytails carried a distinctly mid-century sophistication. The dramatic brows, side glancing eyes, and minimalist swimsuit feel bold even today. They represent not just the beginning of Barbie, but a shift in toy design and cultural perception.

If you are researching how to authenticate a 1959 Barbie, trying to determine whether your ponytail is a #1, #2, or #3, or considering selling an early vintage Barbie from your collection, careful evaluation is essential. Small details make a significant difference in identification and value. Clear photos, close inspection of the feet, face paint, body tone, and hair integrity all play a role.

More than sixty-five years after their debut, vintage Barbie #1, #2, and #3 ponytail dolls remain the benchmark for serious collectors. They are not simply nostalgic childhood toys. They are historically important, increasingly scarce, and consistently in demand. For those who appreciate early Barbie history and investment grade vintage dolls, the first three ponytails will always hold a special place at the very top of the collecting world.