You, too, can become fluent in the language of Barbie® doll collectors worldwide with these commonly used terms!

 

 

Abbreviations

 

A/O

All Original. This phrase is often used at online auctions and other doll web sites to describe a particular doll.

 

HTF

Hard to find. Common abbreviation used at online auctions and other doll web sites.

 

MIB

Mint In Box (factory mint-condition doll in original box).

 

MIP

Mint in Package. Similar to MIB. Denotes that all accessories are still in their original packaging.

 

MNB

Mint No Box (pristine-condition doll, no box).

 

NM

Near mint. Interchangeable with "excellent" when describing a doll's condition.

 

NRFB

Never Removed From Box.

 

OSS

Original Swim Suit.

 

Barbie Doll Identifiers/Descriptors

 

#1 Ponytail

'59 original Barbie®, white irises, blue liner, holes in feet, body material whitens with age.

 

#2 Ponytail

'59, same as original Barbie®, but no holes in feet.

 

#3 Ponytail

'60, blue irises, more gently curved eyebrows.

 

#4 Ponytail

'60, new vinyl used for body that retains its color over time.

 

#5 Ponytail

'61, new hair texture, hollow body that's lighter in weight.

 

Twist 'N Turn® Waist

A moveable waist common to Barbie® dolls of the mid-1960s and beyond. Some Barbie® dolls have a variation of this waist.

 

Doll Category

 

Modern Barbie®

All Barbie® dolls produced beginning in 1972. (An "accepted" date among many collectors for the beginning of the Modern Barbie® era.)

 

Vintage Barbie®

All Barbie® dolls produced before 1972.

 

 

Other Terms

 

C Grading System

A system used by some collectors to rate the condition of your dolls. Designations are C-1 through C-10. C-1 is the poorest possible condition. C-10 is factory mint and NRFB (never removed from box).

 

 

Customized Dolls

Dolls created originally for a specific store, catalog or company. Most dolls in the Barbie® Collector line also include a doll stand and a Certificate of Authenticity and come in showcase packaging.

 

 

Mint & Complete

Pristine outfit and all accessories in mint condition.

 

 

Secondary Market

Those other than Mattel who buy and sell Barbie® dolls