The 10 Most Valuable Dolls in my American Girl Collection

Which dolls in my collection are worth the most money? I went down the rabbit hole to find out. And is that what makes a doll the most "valuable"? I'll share my thoughts in the video, and I'd love to read yours below in the comments!
-Kristie ([e-mail] and @ag_takesover on IG)

[@laurainthesky3765]

I got my Cecile from Craigslist for $50. She even held it for a week so I could make the drive over state lines. Her price was originally 40, but I felt a little bad and gave her 50. The hair was a little rough, but not damaged. It was a fun adventure.

[@agtakesover]

I love stories like that. It makes the dolls extra special.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

My most valuable would be that I have two #4s (one of which I'm selling), a Cecile, and an 87 Sam. But the most valuable that has ever been in my possession is a chippy Molly that I found locally, and sold for about $1800.

[@agtakesover]

May I ask how much you're selling the 4 for? I am trying to help a friend find one that works for her. Feel free to email if you prefer ([e-mail])

[@dollmom3597]

Can you do a limited edition most valuable? Another great video

[@agtakesover]

Possibly! It'll take a while to get to since my list of video ideas is ever-growing, but I'll add it to the list because I would like to do it :)

[@BeautifulDollsaster]

This was such an interesting video! I don’t often think about the resell value of my own dolls, but I do occasionally glance over at my 18.2 or 36 & get hit with an “Oh, yeah, people would pay something outrageous for this doll who’s been sitting on my couch relatively ignored for the past 3 weeks 😅”. I’ve also received shaming in the past from some people who are envious of rare dolls & have expressed that I don’t “deserve” them if I don’t share/photograph/video/use them to some arbitrary standard 😂 I find that mentality within the AG community really interesting; ignoring the blatant rudeness, it’s actually really telling about the mentality surrounding the non-monetary value we assign to rare/expensive dolls, and an assumption that anyone who happens to own one should value it more than other dolls just because of its rarity. I’ve been very fortunate with the prices of my rare dolls (I bought my 4 at retail at AGP Chicago, 18.2 was a fb marketplace find from her original owner in mint condition for $60 shipped, Cecile & MG were $50 each brand-new from the Jill’s Steals & Deals sale, Gwen was like $60 worth of a huge lot, 38 was a $35 benefit sale doll, 36 was a $90 ebay find, etc.). I love all of my dolls, regardless of rarity, mostly based on who I wanted most as a kid. I don’t even think I’d ever feel comfortable having a doll I’d paid hundreds more for just because she’s rare. I do love that some people are able to run out and buy something they love right away, but to be so honest, I love the hunt 😂 Scouring fb marketplace, hitting up garage sales, excitedly texting my friends and flexing a great deal… that’s where I get the most fulfillment. And on top of it, teaching others how it’s done, because anyone can do it with some patience & determination. So much of the joy of collecting, for me, comes from the unique backstory of how each of my dolls found their way to me ❤

[@agtakesover]

So many good points. I like mental exercises and researching things, so sometimes I go down this type of rabbit hole or a few weeks ago I asked myself, "Which dolls would I keep if we could only keep 20 of our approximately 100-doll collection?" And I did a science experiment on a doll to see which of two stain-removal approaches was more successful (video forthcoming). Truly, though, some of my favorite dolls in our collection are expensive and rare and some of them are considered run of the mill (Lea, TM55, Joss, and Gabriela all made my top 20). It's about so many different factors and like you said, one of the important ones is the backstory of how each one came into our lives. Rarity isn't one of the factors that makes a doll more special to me (it might make me aware of how statistically lucky I am to have found a certain doll, but it's not the reason I wanted her to begin with). Also, I am FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOORED that ppl have the audacity of ppl to decide someone doesn't "deserve" a rare doll because of XYZ standard they've imposed. Just...wow. And you're definitely not the first to say that. Utterly incomprehensible to me. I'm sorry you've experienced that.

[@bcn_0629]

Hi there! This video was very helpful. A great guide to provide different ways to search for our Holy Grail dolls. From your Most Valuable Dolls in your AG Collection (not in a random order hehe...) these are the one on my top wishlist: #11, #45, #50, #4 & #54 but since I am living in Barcelona it would be quite impossible to get them sometime soon. On another hand and being reasonable, I think I will be able to bring home: #62 & Z Yang. Congratulations to you and Grace for your amazing collection 🥰🤩🤩

[@agtakesover]

You're right, David - your selection is definitely more limited. I bet you appreciate each doll that much more, though.

[@chrissysdollies]

Interesting! I do have a Maritza and an Ivy, but I never really expected Maritza to be that valuable. I would love to have a Sonali one day, but I'm not going to spend the $400+ that she's going for nowadays! 😅

[@agtakesover]

Yeah, I think we paid $225ish for our Sonali, but she needed a new head. It was pretty expensive as dolls go for us...and we didn't even end up connecting with her. Kept her for about a year and a half and then sold her to someone who was THRILLED to get her. Thankfully, we were able to get back what we put into her. I hope you're able to find a good one at a great price.

[@baseballbatsandboogeymen8123]

This was such a great video! Very interesting to watch and I loved hearing the stories behind how you got some of your dolls! I got a 36 for less than 100 because she was part of a lot and the seller was willing to sell her separately for me, she's one of my proudest doll finds 😊

[@agtakesover]

Aw, I love when ppl are willing to separate the lots so I can get just what I want. And when they're also willing to ship? The. BEST.

[@TotallyDolls]

It is always interesting to see the prized dolls in one's collection. I think I will take inspiration from your video and do my own version on it. 😊

[@agtakesover]

Please do! And some of these aren't the most prized dolls in my collection (Z and Maritza were Grace's purchases and I'm less attached to them, for example) but they're definitely the most monetarily valuable. I'd love to watch your version of this.

[@Lilith-cosplay-world]

Z Yang is my holy grail doll, I love her and I want her so bad

[@agtakesover]

I hope you're able to find her. One thing not a lot of ppl talk about, but I don't think it's just with ours - Z has the SOFTEST hair of probably any AG doll we own.

[@DisBlaine]

This was fun, because after I own a doll I never think about the value… except maybe TM4 because she’s the only rare doll I bought on the aftermarket.

[@agtakesover]

She's the *only* doll you've bought used? Hmmm....I wonder what percentage of my dolls were purchased used. More stats to counts!

[@DisBlaine]

@@agtakesover haha no not my only used doll, just the only *rare* doll from the secondary market. I love used dolls because you can often find a good deal

[@agtakesover]

@@DisBlaine gotcha. I was like, "Wow!!" but that makes more sense.

[@nailahvenable7989]

Thanks for the video. It was nice to see some of the other dolls I never thought of. Now I need to look through the dolls I have stored that I got in lots over the years for some treasures.

[@agtakesover]

Ooh, I'm curious about your dolls in storage :)

[@nailahvenable7989]

Me too LOL I plan to check on them after next week I have a few days off. I will keep you posted. @@agtakesover

[@gretchennahas5994]

I think #9 is so very cute

[@agtakesover]

I'll have to go back and rewatch this video to find out who that was lol.

[@djg5950]

The doll that is worth the most money (according to all the ones you listed) is a TM #38. She came in a lot of 9 dolls for $60. The woman didn't care how much they were worth she just wanted money to buy Christmas presents for her younger daughters. They were into Barbie dolls. I sold the 3 My Life dolls for $62 so the 6 AG dolls cost me nothing. Currently selling Luciana with her meet dress so I'll make more. I could never connect with her and have too many dolls so trying to sell some off.

[@agtakesover]

That's fantastic. I once got a white-bodied Kirsten in a lot. She wasn't in the best condition, but I am not super attached to Kirsten, so I sold her (I bought the lot for some of the other contents). That was such a surprise because I didn't realize she was a WB until we started going through the lot.

[@djg5950]

@@agtakesoverThose are the best kind of surprises. Kind of makes up for all the dolls you over pay for. It evens out.

[@agtakesover]

lol truth!

[@Lilith-cosplay-world]

I got my ivy for $30 on Facebook marketplace and all she needed was a new wig since her bangs were cut and she was brand new! I even got her New Years dress with the shoes for under $40

[@agtakesover]

That's great! Were you able to find an Ivy wig or just found a non-AG one that's comparable?

[@Lilith-cosplay-world]

@@agtakesover I was able to find a ivy wig someone was selling!

[@agtakesover]

@@Lilith-cosplay-world That's great!!

[@jessnawoods]

Fun video!!! One I thought would make it on the list was Caroline. Maybe I got her in a listing drought! 😆 But it was important to me she had a brand new wig from AG Doll Hospital still in a hairnet, so I knew I had a fighting chance with her hair starting out.

[@agtakesover]

This video focused on dolls we own, and I don't have Caroline in my collection. It'd be interesting to see where she falls among these, though.

[@jessicaarend]

I love stats videos like this! I’m extra happy I snagged Maritza at the benefit sale last year for $60 now! She’s the only one I have that made your top 10! ❤

[@agtakesover]

Yeah, it's WILD to me how much Maritza's price has spiked. You were definitely smart to get her when you did.

[@bethbacarella]

This was such a great video, Kristie. I love that #50 was #1. When I turned 46, I bought myself a #46. In 2021, when I was turning 50, I decided that I wanted a #50. I quickly found out that was not going to happen, just because I couldn't find one at all. I ended up getting #26 and #24 = 50. :) I still have my #26 (Annika), but my #24 went through a couple changes before I sold her. First, I put her in a carrot-colored wig, which I didn't glue down, as that was my first and only wig removal (her blonde hair was thin and not great). I later found her a Nellie wig and I thought it made her look like a #38, which I loved. I did glue down that wig and I enjoyed her for another year or so before selling her. So, I love that #50 and #38 were both in this video. :) Oh, and if I could go back in time to 2013 when Good Morning America was selling Marie-Grace, Cecile and their bed for $50 each, I would ask my mom to buy all 3 of those instead of just Marie-Grace and the bed. Hindsight is 20/20. :) Thanks for doing all the research for this fun video!

[@agtakesover]

Yeah, there's no way I could pay market prices for a 50. I paid, funnily enough, $50 for my #50. She needed some TLC but nothing too drastic. I like your alternative of #24 and #26 :)

[@bethbacarella]

@@agtakesover $50 for a #50 is outstanding.

[@Agstar91]

This is very interesting and I loved learning about this! Thanks for doing the research and sharing. And I'll forever be jealous of your steals on #4! #11 is looking gorgeous and now you have me wanting #51! Yikes no haha

[@agtakesover]

I think you mean you now want 50 (51 would be so much cheaper though lol). And as many ppl as you have looking for a #4 for you, it's gonna happen :)

[@Agstar91]

@@agtakesover whoops! That's what I meant! Mistyped! Haha and yes! It'll happen! I'm getting better at patience for her :)

[@AgDollsDownUnder]

My most valuable doll is definitely my Sonali, who I paid a lot for but it was a price I was able to work on over time with a payment plan Also, kristie you look so nice in the lighting at the start of the video! Your makeup look is really cute

[@solelysingularsarah]

Loved this, it makes me realize how lucky I've been for most of my finds! The doll I paid the most for is my #18.2 but even she was lower than the #45s and #50s you talked about. But, neither my 45 or 50 were listed by their numbers so that really helps A LOT. Actually, most of my truly me dolls I didn't find using their numbers. I love these stat videos!

[@solelysingularsarah]

Unintentional hashtags in my post 😅

[@agtakesover]

YES! Finding numbered dolls listed without their numbers has been key. Our 4, 45s, 50, 54s, and several others have been found without their numbers. The 11 was the exception and I was particular about her so I allowed myself the splurge :)

[@meaag14]

Yep! I got my number 4 by pure chance through eBay where she was labeled as an "Asian doll." She was $80 and a I love her! She was a newer number 4 and one day I hope to add an earlier version.

[@agtakesover]

I actually generally like the newer #4s better (when we sent our second #4 to the doll hospital, we were hoping for an AG head in return). But I do like the one we ended up with. That's awesome you were able to find her at such a great price - I think finding these numbered dolls *not* labeled correctly is the way to get them affordably. It's harder and takes more time/patience/luck, but it's the way we've gotten most of our rare dolls.

[@KimberlyM658]

Thank you for this! Very helpful.

[@agtakesover]

You're very welcome! It would look different for each person's collection, obviously, but as least knowing how I approached it, someone would be able to recreate the list based on *their* collection.

[@KimberlyM658]

I completely understand! You gave us an excellent starting point and framework. Your videos are so helpful. I have been collecting dolls for a long time and I had a Kirsten doll back in the late 80s when I was a child, but I never thought about what they look like now. Recently, I randomly decided that I wanted to get an authentic Samantha and Molly, now that I am an adult and can buy things for myself. This has opened up a whole new world of American Girl doll collecting and I am now completely immersed in it!

[@stephaniefriend9912]

it would be fun to see what the most rare outfit/dresses are!??✅ i noticed Courtney’s skirt & suspenders set is very hard to find but it doesn’t go for extremely high money

[@agtakesover]

ooh, that would be interesting. But there are almost infinitely more outfits than dolls so I wouldn't even know where to start with that lol!

[@stephaniefriend9912]

@@agtakesover i totally understand 😅

[@S.L._]

That was an interesting video. I'm surprised 4 and 11 aren't normally more expensive. None of the dolls in your top ten are on my list, though a couple that didn't make the list are. Nellie is near the top of my list, and will probably be the non-custom, non-cyo that I spend the most money on. Finding her not orange is more important to me than her being in better shape overall, and that can be hard to tell in pictures. I do want an Ivy, but she's not near the top of my list, and because of that, combined with her usual price, I may ultimately wind up skipping her. If I had unlimited space and money, I'd pick up an 86, but barring that, she's not on my list. Although, if I ever happen across her super cheap somewhere, I'll buy her. I'm fortunate in that most of the ag dolls that I want are neither expensive nor rare. But I'm also low income and usually live in pretty small spaces, so I have to be picky about both price and the number of dolls I acquire. Obviously, inflation is a thing, but my current plan/hope is to not spend more than $100 on any used non-custom/non-cyo dolls other than Nellie and possibly Ivy and Samantha. Even then, while Samantha is at the top of my list, and I'm particular about her, I think I can find a Samantha I like for well bellow that. I do have plans for two cyo dolls and 1-3 customs, which will probably be my most expensive overall. But other than that, I'm also planning on buying almost all of my dolls used. My first doll when I got back into collecting as an adult this year was a Molly doll that, too be fair, was in pretty terrible condition. But I fell in love with that particular doll (she has a really cute face) and I specifically wanted a doll that I didn't need to be too careful with and could start practicing restoration techniques on. But she was just under 40 dollars shipped and my partner and I are learning rehab and restoration for ag dolls which has been fun and fulfilling. So I'm hoping to be able to do that with other dolls that I buy, too.

[@agtakesover]

I hear you about Nellie - we got one I didn't realize was orange and had to send her in to the hospital. And what an awesome deal on your Molly. It's great to have an affordable doll to practice restoration on!

[@S.L._]

@@agtakesover Yeah, that makes sense. I honestly expect Nellie to be the trickiest doll to add to my collection. And thanks! I'm so happy with my Molly! We already tightened her limbs, and we're slowly working on other stuff.

[@susanstater4695]

I don’t have any doll you mentioned, but the five I have will be sold only after I’m 6 feet under.

[@agtakesover]

It's not the size of the collection or the price of it that ultimately matters, but what it means to *you*, right?

[@susanstater4695]

@@agtakesover Exactly. My deceased husband bought me my first three in 2008, so I could play with out granddaughter. He died of Alzheimer’s in April 2018, as a result of his prior service in Vietnam. He was only 71 and he died on my birthday. The dolls were the last gifts he gave me before his mind was gone, so they are beyond special. I bought two more for myself this year during the big sale. The five are a great comfort to me, especially Molly, who was my first. Does that sound silly? I cannot have pets where I live.

[@agtakesover]

That doesn't sound silly at ALL. The dolls are cheaper than pets (you pay for them but don't have to feed them or give them medical care), they are convenient (never heard of a rental with a "no dolls" policy), and they can unlock our imaginations and provide comfort!!

[@susanstater4695]

@@agtakesover Bless you for your kind words.

[@suzannegoodwin4308]

A really good video!! Thanks 😊

[@agtakesover]

You're so welcome! I'm glad you liked it.

[@tonywild1963]

This is interesting to see the dolls and their numbers. Could you tell me how you identify them? Do you just go by the looks of the doll or do they have numbers printed. Thank you and enjoyed your videos

[@agtakesover]

I go by the looks of the doll - you can use the American Girl wiki and look up the dolls by line (historical, truly me, girl of the year, etc). Here's an example: americangirl.fandom.com/wiki/Visual_Chart_of_Truly_Me_Dolls_(1995-2022)

[@TrobertABQ]

American Girl of Today 6 first edition (6.1) and second edition (6.2): Pleasant Company’s original American Girl of Today number 6 (6.1) (1995-1997) had black hair with brown eyes (classic mold, light vinyl). This version is hard to find! She was “revamped” in 1997. Number 6 (6.2) was changed to blond hair with bangs and green eyes. This version is much more common than the first version. Number 6.2 was retired in 2008.

[@agtakesover]

Yes, I know 6.1 goes for as much as she does because of her short run. We had a 6.2 (got her in a lot and sold her promptly because I don't love the electric green eyes), but the person we got 4 and Gwen from had a 6.1, which is the only time I've seen one in person.

[@TrobertABQ]

@@agtakesover I caught what you said about the seller not wanting to part with 6.1. I added the information for your other viewers to also have more information on number 6. Sometimes the dolls with a limited release (especially a long time ago) are among the most valuable.

[@melangellperry5984]

I’m surprised that Sonali isn’t on that list (or maybe you don’t own a Sonali?). On your top 10 list, I have Z, Cecile and Maritza. I imagine that Maritza’s price is just a bump because she just retired. I imagine that her price and availability will change.

[@agtakesover]

We don't have Sonali any more - sold her after a year and a half of not really connecting with her. And I completely agree about Maritza. I should do this again in a year or two to compare.

[@tinmanlover1994]

My first doll is valuable to me

[@agtakesover]

That makes sense. The first AG doll I ever received consistently makes my top 20, even though in terms of $ she's "a dime a dozen" :)

[@NikkiVelazquez]

Im surprised not to see Sonali!

[@agtakesover]

I don't currently own her so she wasn't up for consideration.

[@NikkiVelazquez]

@@agtakesover oh I'm surprised!

[@agtakesover]

@@NikkiVelazquez we used to but neither of us really connected with her, so after about a year and a half we sold her to someone who was over the moon about her. She was one we actually paid quite a bit for, but luckily we were able to sell her for about the price we paid.

[@TrobertABQ]

My most valuable AG doll is my 1997 Josefina along with her full collection. She will be with me the rest of my life and then the whole collection will go to a New Mexico museum or library. My CYO is my mini me. I will keep her for the rest of my life. She may not be the only one created to look like her but she is my favorite play doll. My 47 is another favorite. Sonali is too expensive! 47 may not be quite as rare as Sonali. I find that what I like in her appearance is in 47.

[@agtakesover]

I LOVE that you've already given thought to how to make sure your Josefina and her collection will be able to continue educating and enthralling people even when you're no longer around to enjoy her.

[@MadameButterfly11419]

What's interesting to me is that 48 didn't make the list I just recently stumbled across a listing for her. Someone is selling her for 1000 dollars and 20 dollar shipping outrageous.

[@agtakesover]

It was the 10 most expensive from *my* collection and I don't have 48 :) Otherwise I'm sure she would be on the list!

[@MadameButterfly11419]

@@agtakesover Oh okay! I miss read the title but that makes more sense 😁

[@agtakesover]

The closest I got to a 48 was second in line on one on FB Marketplace. She was $25, so someone got VERY lucky!!

[@jenniferleighhunter]

What do you think about the original American Girl Dolls put out in 1986? I have them all in perfect condition, their book sets, some accessories, etc. Where would you suggest I list them?

[@agtakesover]

I would join the FB group The Vintage Corner: Pleasant Company American Girl Dolls or a similar group that focuses on older AG dolls. There are ppl who can tell you exactly what to expect to get for them based on their year, condition, etc. They will want to see pictures of the back of the neck, any tags you see on the dolls, and good pics of their faces with eyes open. You can just mention that you're interested in selling and trying to figure out pricing and the best way to go about it. Good luck!

[@Rayven444]

See, to me used dolls going for 95$ or even 70$ is pretty high

[@agtakesover]

It depends on the doll and it's relative. New AG dolls cost $115 plus tax. Some retired ones are available in abundance so they'll go for a lot less used. It's easy to find a decent used Julie, #55, Kit, Samantha, etc for $40-$65. With rarer retired dolls, desirability and scarcity drive up the price. There's "expensive" as defined by the market and then there's "expensive" as defined by my wallet ;)

[@JoanneSag]

Its funny but what people will pay for something is sometimes rated as rare however why don't you check out the official definition by UFDC? I am lucky in that I have a doll appraiser (works with insurance company's and is official nationally recognized) I can ask at our annual UFDC doll show also. I will share with you what she says. It should be interesting.

[@agtakesover]

Yeah, I think it's okay that we define it individually even if there is an established (and helpful!) definition of "rare". I look forward to seeing what she says.

[@JoanneSag]

@@agtakesover I have a feeling, just a feeling mind you that it may be independent of price reflective of the value people place on an object. Value (want and cost) may be independent of rare. Just some concepts to think about.

[@agtakesover]

Oh, obviously. That's why I explained the definition I was using *for the purpose of this mental exercise*. It's not my personal definition of which dolls are most valuable to me. I'd keep my 55 over my #4 in a heartbeat.

[@JoanneSag]

@@agtakesover I know you qualified that in the beginning of the video. Still it should be interesting to see how a nationally certified doll appraiser does it. Thank you its been an interesting discussion. Its been fun and I do appreciate you.

[@agtakesover]

@@JoanneSag yes, it will be interesting. I'd love to be put in touch with that appraiser if you don't mind emailing new contact info. [e-mail]