The holy grails of collectible Silkstone Barbie

When you start collecting anything, especially if it's popular, like Barbie for example, you usually run into the availability problem pretty quickly. You learn with experience that limited availability means a higher price and, in some cases, a treasure hunt of epic proportions.

These rare and limited items are known as "the collector's holy grails" and the fervor with which one pursues their acquisition can be intense. It all depends on the collector...

When I started collecting Barbies a few years ago, I soon learned that there were several dolls that stood head and shoulders above others. For the most part, these dolls were revered because they had a very small edition size and that, of course, improved their resale value and collectability.

The most desired Silkstone Barbies are the platinum editions (edition size limit of 1,000 or less). Many of them were offered through F.A.O Schwarz and were different hair color variations from another doll.

All edition size information is from The Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie 2008 edition by Michael Augustyniak

1.Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Chataine Barbie.

Quantity of dolls manufactured: 600 units

2.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Joyeux Barbie –redhead

Number of dolls manufactured: 999 units

3. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2005 Trace of Lace Barbie – blonde

Quantity of dolls manufactured: 500 units (Designed exclusively for Japanese collectors.)

4. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Dahlia

Number of dolls manufactured: 999 units

5. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Violette

Number of dolls manufactured: 999 units

6.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2007 The Soiree – blonde

Number of dolls manufactured: 999 units

7. NBDCC Golden Gala

Edition size: Unknown by skin type... But considered less than 1,000 total for both skin types.

**Note** This was the only Silkstone ever awarded as a convention gift. Awarded to attendees of the 2009 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention to commemorate Barbie's 50th anniversary. Each attendee received a doll with either a Caucasian skin tone or an African American skin tone depending on what they selected with their registration package**

If you're a Silkstone Barbie collector, you may have noticed that I've forgotten a few... read on.

Within these platinum edition Silkstones, there are some items that have such a limited edition size that classifies them as the most sacred of the holy grails.

1.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2000 Display Case – Retail Version

Quantity manufactured: could not find a verified number, but let's say much less than 175

“This case was provided to select dealers selling the Barbie 2000 Fashion Model Collection. Both the blue sign above the box and the front panels of the box say "Limited Edition." The center front panel is hinged for easy arranging of the two fashion mannequins and sign easel in front of the glamorous ballroom backdrop. A plastic holder containing 50 Barbie Fashion Model Collection booklets can be placed next to the case. Note the bottom center panel of the box which introduces customers to the features of the new Barbie Silkstone Lingerie dolls. “–from the Barbie Doll Collectors Encyclopedia 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak

2.  Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2001 Limited Edition Display Case

Manufactured quantity: 175

“It was offered through a Barbie Collectibles by Mail catalog in an edition of 175 for $250.00. This display case is very similar to the Retailer 2000 display case, except that the words “Limited Edition” have been removed from both the blue sign above the display case and the bottom front base itself. Additionally, below the "Barbie" name on the bottom center front panel of the case, this case has no words, while the case provided to dealers in 2000 lists the features of the new Silkstone dolls." -from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak

3. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 City Smart Barbie

Number of dolls made: 600 units (400 were sold in the Japanese market and 200 were sold to members of the Official Barbie Collectors Club in the US)