A woman experienced what many bargain hunters dream of after stumbling upon a piece of toy history in a charity shop. She discovered an original 1962 Barbie doll, complete in its box, for a mere fraction of its true value.
The Incredible Discovery
While browsing on a busy Saturday, the shopper noticed the vintage doll sitting on a shelf, priced at just $11 (£8.37). What made the find extraordinary was that the doll still had its original $2 (£1.52) price tag attached. The specific model was identified as a 1962 Mattel Platinum Blonde Bubble Cut Barbie in the Box, a highly sought-after collectable.
Sharing her disbelief on Reddit, the woman said she initially thought it had to be a reproduction, as it was not secured in a display case. She knew she would regret leaving it behind, so she purchased it immediately.
The True Value of the Vintage Barbie
The lucky finder quickly researched the doll's potential worth and was astounded. The same model is currently listed for sale on the specialist site The Toys Time Forgot for a staggering $599.95 (£456). Even more impressive, a recent eBay auction for a similar doll, which was reportedly in worse condition, ended at $710 (£540).
The doll she found is in remarkably good shape, with the only noted flaw being a case of 'green ear' – a common oxidation issue for vintage Barbies – and it is thought to be missing its original earrings.
Reaction from the Online Community
The online community was quick to share in the excitement. One user called it an "impossible find", while another expressed their jealousy. Several commenters demonstrated their knowledge, identifying the doll as a number 6 or 7 based on its red swimsuit.
Many speculated on how such a valuable item ended up in a charity shop, with one user suggesting, "Someone cleaned out grandma’s house without looking at what was in grandma’s house." Others congratulated the finder, happy that the rare doll had found a home with someone who appreciated its significance.
This discovery serves as a reminder that charity shops can sometimes hold hidden treasures, waiting for a sharp-eyed collector to recognise their true worth.
