Doll collecting has its own shorthand. Here are the terms you will actually meet in listings and collector forums, in plain language.
The essential acronyms
- OOAK - One Of A Kind: made exactly once; see the full explanation.
- LE - Limited Edition: a fixed numbered run; see OOAK vs LE compared.
- AP - Artist Proof: pieces made outside the main edition, often kept by the maker.
- COA - Certificate Of Authenticity: the signed document proving who made the piece and when.
- MIB / NRFB: Mint In Box / Never Removed From Box - more relevant to mass-produced dolls than OOAK.
- WIP - Work In Progress: the photos an artist sends during a commission.
Condition and craft terms
Armature (the internal wire skeleton), mohair (the premium bear fabric - compared here), sculpt (the shaped form of face and body), and rewigged/re-dressed (hair or clothing replaced after leaving the studio - affects value).
Why the vocabulary matters
Understanding these terms is the difference between overpaying and buying well. A listing that says "OOAK with COA" is a materially different purchase from an unnamed "handmade-style" doll. Ready to use it? Browse artist-made dolls.
Discover one-of-a-kind handmade art dolls at Like Art — every piece is made by an independent artist and ships worldwide.