5. How can I tell the value of my vintage doll?

Answer: Values go up and down with the market. There are guides on the internet and in books, but these can get outdated, so you can't really go by them. The best way is to identify your doll and get an idea of her (or his) condition. Look on ebay at prices similar ones are going for, and at "completed listings" to see what they actually sold for.

Value depends on:

Condition--I am not expert enough to say exactly what the criteria are for "C-10, C-9, etc. But "Mint" should indicate a doll that has been very rarely handled, and has no flaws such as face paint rubs, green at the ears (a pretty bad flaw, resulting from the metal posts on the "pearl" earrings the dolls came with), chipped nose, gouges, scratches, missing or cut hair, vinyl splits, loose limbs, etc. Retouching would take her out of the Mint category.

I believe "Near Mint" can describe a doll with very, very minor flaws, such as a little wear to the nail polish, a little bend in a leg, a tiny fade to an eyebrow, that sort of thing.

Once you have something like face paint rubs (other than the slightest eyelash ridge), big scratches, or swingy arms, the value decreases. Big issues such as neck splits, nose damage, fingers missing, haircuts, or bad green ear will lower the value very significantly. (Krista can treat previously untreated green ear quite successfully, by the way.)

Rarity: A rarer doll can be worth much more, even with a flaw or two, than a common one. For example, a Near Mint Brunette Bubblecut, because Mattel made a lot of her, may be worth $120, while a #3 Brunette Ponytail even with some face paint flaws can be worth $300 or more. A 1961 Brownette Bubblecut is so darn rare, compared with a Blonde 1961 Bubble in the same condition, the Brownette will be worth about 3 times as much!

...And since the #1 was made in such small numbers (a few hundred thousand), she is very expensive! Usually a #1 or #2 in good condition will go upwards of $2500, and if near-mint and/or having the original box, stand, etc, can command more than $5000. Also very rare and thus expensive are the side part American Girls. Some of the European market and Japanese market dolls are rare in the U.S. and command a good price.

Box, Accessories, NRFB: Obviously a truly never-removed-from-box doll is a valuable thing! (I do not own one.) It is hard to ascertain that for sure, but if someone is selling one to you, do look for a totally intact wrist tag, not reattached or reglued; the box should have its original insert with little to no damage, and the booklet and shoes should be sealed in the original cellophane.

Boxed dolls are worth more, especially if the box is the correct one, is in good condition,and the accessories are there.