Rare collection of Barbie dolls up for auction

A Queen Elizabeth I Barbie doll is expected to fetch up to £500

A private collection of rare Barbie dolls is going up for auction in Kent, with some expected to reach hundreds of pounds.

The figures are being offered at the Canterbury Auction Galleries on Saturday alongside collectables such as Pokémon cards and a carry case of Happy Meal toys.

The highest price for a Barbie is expected to be reached by a Queen Elizabeth I figure with an estimate of £500.

Auctioneer David Parker said collectors can "afford to buy back the dreams of their youth".

A collection of Pokémon cards has an estimated value of up to £15,000

The sale takes place over three days and includes rare Pokémon cards and ink and watercolour illustrations by Peter Firmin who, along with Oliver Postgate, created Bagpuss and Ivor the Engine.

There are more than 100 Barbie lots which are expected to attract online interest worldwide.

Barbies on sale include designs by Dior and Bob Mackie.

Italian luxury car maker Ferrari has already made inquiries about the doll made in the company colours, according to the auction house.

The collection of Pokémon cards has an estimate value of up to £15,000.

Mr Parker said: “We have a generation of people who want to bid online at home on Saturday in their pyjamas eating a bacon roll.

“This is the first generation where packaging matters.

"If these dolls were not in boxes I could not sell them."