Top 10 Most Expensive Hermès Birkin Bags in the World
The Hermès Birkin is not just a bag—it’s a status symbol and a major investment. As they are made with unparalleled craftsmanship and exotic materials and are extremely limited, some Birkins have fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars--and even more than a million once.
These bags come in diamond-studded crocodile models all the way to minute gold masterpiece bags, and they are not just fashion accessories. They are trophies of the collector, and they are more valuable than art objects or rare watches. So, in this guide, we will discuss the most expensive Birkin bags that have ever been sold and what makes each one of them so deserving of the jaw-dropping price.
Why Some Birkin Bags Are So Expensive
Now, before we get into particular bags, we need to know why these particular bags have such high prices.
Birkin bags are handmade by skilled artisans using premium leather and exotic skins. Only a small number are produced each year. Hermès controls supply through a quota system, and even the VIP buyers cannot buy it at retail.
Demand is massive. Many celebrities and collectors compete to own one. This has brought about a robust second-hand market where the items usually sell at twice or even triple the retail price. The most expensive are special editions, rare color, and unused condition bags.
Now, let’s look at the most expensive Birkin bags ever sold.
- 1. Sac Bijou Birkin – $2 Million
- 2. Platinum Diamond Birkin by Ginza Tanaka – $1.9 Million
- 3. Diamond Himalaya Birkin – $450,000
- 4. Faubourg Birkin “Snow” – $400,000
- 5. Géranium Crocodile Diamond Birkin 35 – $288,200
- 6. Matte Niloticus Crocodile So Black Birkin 30 – $208,000
- 7. Metallic Silver Birkin 25 – $139,230
- 8. Ombre Lizard Birkin 25 – Up to $137,500
- 9. Birkin 20 Matte Alligator – $115,000+
- 10. Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin – Est. $100,000+
1. Sac Bijou Birkin – $2 Million
The Sac Bijou Birkin is not a bag but fine jewelry. This mini Birkin bag, which was released in 2012 as part of the Hermès Haute Bijouterie Collection, is made out of rose gold and is encrusted with 2,712 diamonds. It is entirely operational, and it is made to be worn like a bracelet.
Only three were ever made. The upper flap is of crocodile leather, and the whole thing is studded with diamonds, the handles, the lock, and the clochette. It is the most expensive Birkin ever created.
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2. Platinum Diamond Birkin by Ginza Tanaka – $1.9 Million
This is one of the most beautiful Birkins in collaboration with the Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanaka. The body is made of platinum and has 2,182 diamonds, including the centerpiece of an 8-carat pear-shaped diamond.
The removable strap can turn out to be a necklace or a bracelet. This is a multi-purpose, convertible model, which contributes to its worth and originality.
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3. Diamond Himalaya Birkin – $450,000
The Himalaya Birkin is already exclusive; however, the Diamond Himalaya Birkin does even more. It is crafted on Niloticus crocodile skin in a gradient of snow-white to gray hue. The bag features 18-karat white gold hardware and over 240 diamonds, totaling nearly 10 carats.
A 30 cm Diamond Himalaya Birkin was sold at Sotheby in 2022 for more than 450,000, and it became the most expensive Birkin bag sold at an auction.
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4. Faubourg Birkin “Snow” – $400,000
The Faubourg Birkin takes after Hermès Paris flagship store and is exquisitely crafted and designed. The Snow variation is a mixture of white Togo leather, matte alligator, and palladium hardware.
This 20 cm bag is a high-end collectible because there are only a few of them. It was one of the most expensive non-diamond Birkins to have ever sold, as one fetched slightly more than 400,000 dollars.
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5. Géranium Crocodile Diamond Birkin 35 – $288,200
This is a red Birkin with crocodile leather and 18-karat white gold hardware and diamond-adorned. It sold for $288,200 at auction in 2018.
This bag (35 cm) was in immaculate condition, which made it very attractive to collectors. The case is an ideal demonstration of the influence that color, skin type, and diamond hardware could have on a Birkin.
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6. Matte Niloticus Crocodile So Black Birkin 30 – $208,000
This So Black Birkin is the last bag in Hermès by designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, made of matte crocodile skin with all-black PVD-coated hardware.
This model is out of production and is turned into a genuine collector's item. In 2019, it was sold at 208,000, much higher than its value.
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7. Metallic Silver Birkin 25 – $139,230
In 2005, only a very few Metallic Silver Birkin were released. The bag, available in Chvre leather and palladium hardware, takes its inspiration from the well-known Hermès window displays.
In 2022, a brand new 25 cm Metallic Silver Birkin fetched more than 139,000. The metallic finish is distinctive, plus the small number of components available keeps the demand high.
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8. Ombre Lizard Birkin 25 – Up to $137,500
The Ombr Birkin is made of rare lizard skin, which is patterned in a symmetrical manner. This model is available in 25 cm because the skin is small.
The prices range greatly based on the condition, and in 2020, a pristine example sold at Sotheby's for 137,500. You could get a well-kept one today at about 80,000 dollars.
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9. Birkin 20 Matte Alligator – $115,000+
The Birkin 20 in Matte Alligator became the news of 2023 when it was released. One of the early examples sold at auction for $115,570.
It was simple, but the structure and finishing made it favored by its collectors. The entry into the resale market will cause an insignificant decrease in prices, though it is a good investment.
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10. Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin – Est. $100,000+
The original Birkin bag designed by Jane Birkin in 1985 will come to auction in June 2025. Although the price is not announced, it is estimated to be sold above 100,000 dollars.
It is a cross between the Birkin 35 and 40, and Jane has her initials and personal details added. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece of fashion history.
Final Thoughts
Hermès Birkin bags are not just fashion but rather investments, collector's items, and cultural symbols. They can be appreciated due to the quality work of the specialists, scarce materials, and supply. Some are even considered wearable art. The most exclusive Birkins will probably keep setting new records at auction as demand keeps increasing.
If you collect or are simply an admirer of Birkin bags, this list of the most expensive Birkin bags ever sold will prove how much power a handbag can have in the luxury world.
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