G.I. Joe a Collector Doll Made for Boys

Hasbro had a lot going against it as it made the first GI Joe. First, would boys play with a doll? And second, would people think a doll representing war was appropriate?

In 1964 the company gambled on the doll hoping it would have the same success as the Barbie Doll. It started off slow, but by the end of the year Hasbro made over $17 million in sales.

The 12" doll represented the American Soldier, navy sailor, air force pilot and a marine. They sold for about $4 each.

In the late 1960s the doll expanded to have African-American figures and female nurses.

As the Vietnam war grew, Hasbro turned GI Joe into a civilian adventurer rather than a fighter.
Several series of soldiers have been produced since then and today GI Joe dolls bring Hasbro over $4 billion a year.

Some GI Joe figures feature stars like Bob Hope and actual militia men such as General Patton and Colin Powell.

So, if you are interested in collecting GI Joe dolls, what are you looking for?

The best of the best are the original 1964 GI Joe's with box. These are valued over $3,000. Boxes add about 50 percent to the value. The box also aids in exact identification and dates. Most dates of a GI Joe are found on the buttocks of the doll.
Clothes are also important in collecting GI Joe. Original clothes can be worth hundreds of dollars.

Talking GI Joe's and older African American dolls are usually among the top of the line in value as well. Vintage dolls with accessories also add to the value. Even original 1960 vehicles can be worth thousands of dollars.

This little test doll has turned in to quite the valuable action figure.

A few really cool ones you may want in your collection include General Eisenhower released in the 1990s. He is valued between $100 and $200. The 1965 African American in box goes for around $3,000. Black dolls are definitely among the highest price of the collectibles.

Talking GI Joe dolls range from $100-$600 depending on condition and if it has a box. A talking astronaut in box from 1970 is worth almost $300.

A GI Joe nurse from 1967 is worth over $2,000. Scarlett the GI Joe from 1982 is valued at $100. A 1964 GI Joe first edition action sailor is worth of $2,000. Scar faced GI Joe's can go for around $300.

Accessories by themselves also are highly sought after. An amphibious duck from 1967 is valued around $500. An armored car from 1967 goes for close to $400. A military police uniform from 1967 is almost $1,000. A USS Flag aircraft carrier from 1984 is worth nearly $200. I've even seen a vintage 1964 raft sell for over $100.

If you are collector, it's best to shop around before buying. You will find the dolls at flea markets and tag sales. You can shop online, but first get a guide book.

Start by purchasing the latest GI figures in stores that interest you. There are some rare ones that may eventually become valuable. If you have a keen eye, you can find value in items released today.

If you had some of these dolls as kids, be sure to check your parent's basement. And, don't hesitate to ask around. Someone may have hidden treasures and not even know it. That someone may even be you. Good luck!