Record Breaking Bobbleheads: The Most Valuable Finds

Bobbleheads, those charming, nodding figurines, have been a popular collectible for decades. But did you know that some bobbleheads have not only broken records but are also worth a fortune? Let’s dive into the world of record-breaking bobbleheads and their most valuable finds.

Record-Breaking Bobbleheads

The world of bobbleheads is full of surprises, and one of the biggest came in 2022 when the world’s largest bobblehead was unveiled.

Standing at an impressive 16.5 feet tall and weighing 600 pounds, this bobblehead was a replica of Ollie, the mascot of bargain retailer Ollie’s.

This massive bobblehead was revealed as part of their 40th birthday celebration. The previous record was held by Applied Underwriters, who created a 15-foot replica of their St. Bernard mascot in 2016.

The Guinness World Records was present to certify the bobblehead’s impressive size. The bobblehead was revealed at the company’s flagship store in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Crafting this huge Ollie bobblehead took four months, and over 10.5 gallons of paint were used.

The Most Valuable Bobbleheads

While size can be impressive, value is often where collectors’ interests lie. Some bobbleheads can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Most of these valuable bobbleheads are super old and in exceptional condition.

One of the most valuable bobbleheads ever sold is a 1961 New York Yankees nodder.

This ultra-rare bobblehead is one of only three examples known to exist and has been described as “the most desirable nodder in the hobby, bar none”.

This oversized model standing 14″ tall was made in Japan by the Otagiri Mercantile Company to promote a line of smaller player dolls which became highly popular throughout the U.S in the early 1960s.

Back in 2015, one of these dolls sold for $59,650, establishing a new record price for a bobblehead doll by a considerable margin.

Now, another example has emerged from the family collection of the co-owner of the Otagiri Mercantile Company.

This recently discovered example is regarded as the finest of the three and is expected to top $60,000 at auction.

Top 20 Rarest Vintage Bobbleheads Found and Sold

Here are some of the most valuable vintage bobbleheads ever sold:

1. 1961 New York Yankees Nodder: This ultra-rare bobblehead is one of only three examples known to exist and has been described as “the most desirable nodder in the hobby, bar none”. This oversized model standing 14″ tall was made in Japan by the Otagiri Mercantile Company to promote a line of smaller player dolls which became highly popular throughout the U.S in the early 1960s. Back in 2015, one of these dolls sold for $59,650, establishing a new record price for a bobblehead doll by a considerable margin. Now, another example has emerged from the family collection of the co-owner of the Otagiri Mercantile Company. This recently discovered example is regarded as the finest of the three and is expected to top $60,000 at auction.
2. 1964 Paul McCartney and George Harrison: The 1964 Beatles dolls were sold individually and not as a set, but they sold for the exact same amount. The 16-inch dolls sold on eBay in April 2014.
3. 1964 John Lennon: This 16-inch Lennon bobblehead also sold in April 2014 for $20 more than the other Beatles bandmates.
4. Dick Tracy: This Tracy doll is super rare. John Brey of Nodder Exchange auctioned off this doll in June 2011, starting the bidding on this near-mint quality bobblehead at $750 before fetching nearly four times the asking price.
5. Chief Justice William Rehnquist: This beauty of the longtime Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was part of a 2002 Supreme Court series from the Green Bag Journal of Law. It sold on eBay in December 2013.
6. Mike Rowe and Freddy: The former “Dirty Jobs” host autographed this unique doll that also includes his dog, Freddy. The doll speaks 33 “Roweisms,” which were all recorded by Mike himself. The doll sold on eBay in May 2015.
7. Boston Patriots AFL Nodder: The Patriots nodder was super rare, as one of seven AFL team bobblehead dolls released. Nodder Exchange’s Brey sold it for more than four times the listed price of $750.
8. Wolf Man: The sci-fi supervillain from the 1941 film became one of the most valuable dolls ever sold when John Brey auctioned off the ultra-rare bobblehead in July 2008.
9. Los Angeles Dodgers: This doll, which Brey sold in September 2016, is one of seven “Weirdo” Dodgers dolls that were unveiled, and the stealing-second-base doll is among the rarest.
10. Minnesota Twins White Base: Brey called this the rarest baseball doll of them all — spoiler: it’s not even in the top 20 most valuable bobbleheads on this list.

Conclusion

From towering giants to valuable antiques, the world of bobbleheads is full of surprises. Whether you’re a casual collector or a serious enthusiast, there’s no denying the appeal of these nodding figurines. So next time you see a bobblehead, give it a second glance – it might just be a record-breaker or a valuable find!