Today in History

March 9 , 1959

Barbie's Birthday

The American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959 debuted a new doll by the Mattel toy company. Named after the daughters of one of Mattel's co-founders, Barbie became an overnight sensation. Most dolls of the time were modeled after babies. Barbie, however, had a distinctively adult form and look - too much so for many during the doll's history. The first Barbie doll sold for $3.00. Barbie’s first boyfriend, Ken, debuted two years after Barbie in 1961. Certainly one of the most popular yet controversial toys ever created, Barbie has been much accessorized and criticized during her 50 year history. Her approximate 1/6th scale to an adult human form has been the object of concern for many who view Barbie's body shape as unrealistic and unhealthy. Nevertheless, it is estimated that 90% of the girls in the United States between the ages of 3 and 10 have owned a Barbie. The current estimated selling price of the original 1959 Barbie doll in mint condition is $27,000.