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In 1986, Pleasant Rowland, a former teacher from Wisconsin, embarked on a journey to revolutionize the way children learn about American history. Her groundbreaking idea centered around young girls, placing them at the heart of each narrative.
With the introduction of American Girl dolls, Rowland redefined the toy landscape, challenging even Barbie’s dominance. Each doll was not only a toy but a representation of a unique historical era, spanning from the mid-19th century to World War II and beyond. Accompanying each character was a book series narrated through the eyes of a young girl, typically aged between 8 to 11 years.
Initially priced at around $65 in 1986 (approximately $174 today), these dolls were exclusively available through catalogs. Despite this limitation, the brand quickly gained traction, generating about $1 million in its first year.
Now, decades later, the original fans of the first American Girl dolls, including newcomers like Addy and Felicity, continue to cherish their childhood favorites. With a new American Girl movie in production by Mattel, it’s the perfect time to search for those nostalgic dolls and see how much they’re worth today, especially for collectors. Below are some of the most valuable American Girl dolls and accessories from the ’80s and ’90s that could potentially fetch a significant amount if you decide to sell.
- Molly McIntire Doll (1986)
- Samantha Parkington Doll (1986)
- Kirsten Larson Doll (1986)
- Felicity Merriman Doll (1991)
- Addy Walker Doll (1993)
- Addy’s Trunk (1993)
- Molly’s Christmas Box (1986)
- Felicity’s Writing Chair (1991)
- Kirsten’s Wooden Trunk (1986)
- Samantha’s Wicker Table & Chairs (1987)
Molly McIntire Doll (1986)
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The original American Girl dolls, including Molly McIntire, Samantha Parkington, and Kirsten Larson, debuted in 1986 and remain highly sought after today. Molly, representing a girl from the World War II era, is especially valuable. Dressed in her signature dark blue wool sweater adorned with an argyle pattern and a navy A-line skirt, she comes with notable accessories like a real steel penny, a silver locket that opens, and distinctive glasses—an accessory set that can sell for substantial amounts, with her glasses recently fetching around $120 on eBay.
If you happen to have Molly with her complete outfit and accessories, including an intact box, you could potentially earn as much as $3,000. However, some dolls have sold for approximately $800, depending on their condition and completeness.
Felicity Merriman, the fourth doll in the series, represents the Colonial America era during the Revolutionary War. Her original outfit is a collector’s dream, especially as she has undergone outfit changes over the years. The value of Felicity’s doll can vary significantly based on the accessories included, with some collectors willing to pay up to $400 for a complete set.
Another highly coveted item is Addy’s Wooden Trunk, first released in 1993. This trunk originally came with a copy of Harper’s Weekly, a Civil War-era newspaper, and features a hidden compartment for storing treasures. The trunk was redesigned in 2007, making the top lid removable, but the original version with black iron hinges is often more sought after. Prices for this item typically range from $200 to $400.
Molly’s Christmas Box from 1986 is another gem that includes a miniature nurse doll and a snow globe featuring a wooden base. The box’s instructions to “Keep Hidden Until Christmas Day” add to its charm. A complete set from 1986 can be valued at over $140 for just the snow globe, while the entire Christmas collection may bring in even more.
Felicity’s Writing Chair, added to the collection in 1991, is modeled after the chair used by Thomas Jefferson for writing the Declaration of Independence. In mint condition, this chair, complete with the original box and pamphlet, can fetch around $100.
Kirsten’s Wooden Trunk from 1986, inspired by early American settlers, features heart-shaped cutouts and painted flowers and can sell for between $150 and $375 on platforms like eBay. If you also have Kirsten’s bed, nightstand, and quilt, the value could increase significantly.
Samantha’s Wicker Table & Chairs, introduced in 1987 alongside “Happy Birthday, Samantha!”, is another valuable set, complete with a Victorian lemonade set that enhances the storytelling aspect. The table and chairs alone can sell for between $50 and $150, but with the lemonade set, the total could reach upwards of $600.
Overall, these American Girl accessories and dolls represent valuable collectibles for enthusiasts. Take the time to explore your attic or storage to uncover any hidden treasures!
