Expert: Jamie Novak - 3/7/2010

Question
My mom has a Barbie collection, the Barbie collection is the holiday barbies from the 1987 holiday barbie to the 2009 holday barbie still in there organinal boxes, and i was wondering where we can get them apprasied at, or how do i go about getting them appraised. we r u in michigan

Answer
Thank you for the question. What an amazing collection!
Still in boxes is the best part, this is often referred to as NIB (new in box)
Are you looking to sell them? That is a different question.
But to just get a value you can head to the local library and ask the reference librarian, they have a book where you can look them up. This is the quickest and least expensive way.
You can hire an appraiser DO NOT hire or even ask the person who might also be the buyer- you want honest answers.
You can also log onto eBay and search to buy the ones your Mom has, that was you can see what they are selling for.
The last idea is to locate a toy auction in your area, the yellow pages should give you a few. These dolls are not antiques but they are popular and the auction house usually offers a free appraisal.
I hope some of this helps. Good luck with the appraisals and don't forget if they add up to a lot you might want to add them to the homeowners insurance policy.
You can see more ideas at JamieNovak.com then click resources.
Have a great day! -Jamie