Complete Guide to Buying and Selling a Birkin
Discover expert tips for buying and selling a Birkin Bag at Sotheby’s and make the most of your luxury investment.
Brief History of the Birkin Bag
The Birkin bag is a true icon in the fashion world, highly sought-after by celebrities and the handbag-obsessed. Its legendary design was born from a chance encounter in 1984 between actress Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. During their conversation, Birkin expressed her need for a handbag that combined elegance with practicality to suit her fast-paced lifestyle. Inspired by this, the first-ever Birkin 40 was created in luxurious calfbox leather, featuring a thoughtfully designed structure with two rolled handles, a flap top, signature clou “feet,” and a lock closure—elements that continue to define the Birkin’s timeless appeal. Interestingly, the very first Birkin was the only version to include a shoulder strap.
Renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity, the Birkin remains the most sought-after Hermès bag. Each Birkin requires a minimum of 18 hours of meticulous work by a highly skilled artisan and is stamped with a unique code that indicates the year of production, the workshop, and the artisan responsible for its creation. Securing a Birkin directly from an Hermès boutique is no easy feat—customers must establish a purchase history with the brand, and boutiques receive only a limited number of bags twice a year. Adding to the exclusivity, the specific styles and colors available are rarely disclosed in advance, meaning buyers must either accept what is offered or patiently wait for their desired style to become available. With nearly a million monthly searches, the Birkin stands as the most in-demand Hermès bag.
Sotheby's Birkin Buying Guide
How to Buy a Birkin
If you haven’t built a longstanding relationship with an Hermès sales associate or have already reached your annual purchase limit, Sotheby’s offers exclusive opportunities to acquire a coveted Birkin bag. Whether you're purchasing your very first Birkin or adding to your growing collection, our expert Handbag Specialists are here to guide you every step of the way. We provide personalized advice on selecting the ideal materials and sizes to suit your lifestyle, while also offering insights into availability across our various purchasing channels.
Birkin Bag Cost
The price of a Birkin bag depends on several factors, including material, size, age, and condition. While the bag is available with various hardware options, these are largely a matter of personal preference and have minimal impact on pricing. The Birkin is offered in standard sizes, including the Birkin 25, Birkin 30, Birkin 35, and Birkin 40. Additionally, smaller, limited-edition versions such as the Faubourg Birkin 20 and the Micro Birkin 15, also known as the Baby Birkin, are highly sought after. Among all sizes, the Birkin 25 and Birkin 30 remain the most popular choices.
When purchased directly from Hermès, prices range from approximately $10,000 for a classic leather Birkin to over $200,000 for an opulent crocodile and diamond-encrusted version. At Sotheby’s, Birkins generally range from around $15,000 for an older leather Birkin 35 to over $400,000 for a pristine, store-fresh Diamond Himalaya Birkin. Most Birkins sold through Sotheby’s fall within the $20,000 to $30,000 range for leather styles. The most valuable leather Birkins are those in store-fresh condition, with protective plastic still intact on the hardware, particularly in the popular Birkin 25 and Birkin 30 sizes.
Exotic Birkins typically command higher prices, with ostrich versions ranging from $25,000 to $35,000, while crocodile and alligator styles usually start at over $40,000. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, a Himalaya Birkin 25 or Birkin 30 in pristine condition is priced around $200,000, making it one of the most coveted and valuable handbags in the world.
Buy A Birkin Now on Marketplace
Sotheby's has a curated selection of Birkins available for immediate purchase, with new arrivals added weekly as these coveted bags sell quickly. The most sought-after styles include Birkin 25 and Birkin 30 in black or other neutral-colored Togo leather, which tend to sell the fastest—especially when in store-fresh or pristine condition with protective plastic still on the hardware. In contrast, older Birkins with minor signs of wear, as well as exotic styles, may take longer to find the right buyer.
As the most in-demand Hermès bag at Sotheby’s, the Birkin collection is constantly evolving, and availability can change rapidly. If you find your ideal bag, it's best not to wait, as it may not be available for long. Birkins listed on Sotheby’s Marketplace are offered at fixed prices, with leather styles typically ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, while exotic material Birkins are priced higher based on factors such as material, color, and condition.
Buy a Birkin in the Next Auction
Sotheby's also sells Birkins at auction in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong. While the selection of bags varies with each sale, auctions consistently feature a mix of ultra-rare limited-edition Birkins—such as the coveted Birkin Himalaya or the exclusive Birkin Faubourg—as well as classic leather styles in timeless neutral tones. Sotheby's Hong Kong and New York auctions typically showcase a larger selection, reflecting the strong demand in these key markets, but every sale presents a thoughtfully curated assortment of exceptional pieces.
At auction, reserve prices are lower than marketplace fixed prices for Birkin bags since the Buyer's Premium is added to the hammer price. The final price for a Birkin can vary more at auction than marketplace due to auction bidding dynamics. A super rare Birkin can sell for a much higher price than the high estimate depending on demand. In April 2022 at a Handbags & Accessories auction in Hong Kong, a Metallic Silver and Bronze Chevre Birkin 25 sold at 1,071,000 HKD, significantly above its 600,000 HKD high estimate.
Buy a Birkin via Sotheby's Concierge Service
If you're searching for a specific Birkin that isn't currently available on Sotheby’s Marketplace and the next auction is still months away, Sotheby’s Concierge Service offers an exceptional alternative. Our dedicated specialists can source pristine Birkins in a wide range of colors, sizes, and materials—often within just a few weeks. We also provide expert guidance to ensure your budget aligns with current market trends, as handbag pricing can fluctuate.
In most cases, Sotheby’s can secure your desired Birkin within a few weeks, provided the budget is in line with prevailing market values. However, sourcing rare limited-edition or vintage pieces may take longer, and your specialist will provide a realistic timeline based on availability. From classic staples like a Black Togo Birkin with Gold Hardware to ultra-rare treasures such as the Diamond Himalaya Birkin, Sotheby’s has successfully sourced some of the most sought-after handbags in the world.
Sotheby's Birkin Selling Guide
How to Sell a Birkin
Sotheby’s Specialists are here to assist you in selling your Birkin with ease and expertise. The condition of your bag is the most crucial factor in determining its eligibility for any of Sotheby’s selling options. If your Birkin is in excellent condition—showing only minor scratches on the hardware, minimal wear on the handles and exterior, and a clean interior—it is likely to be accepted for consignment. Providing clear images of any marks or scratches to a specialist is highly recommended to ensure an accurate price estimate.
Birkins in store-fresh condition—those with a date stamp within the last 12 to 18 months, original protective plastic on all hardware, complete accessories, and the original box—command the highest premiums. Neutral leather Birkins in sizes 25 and 30 are the most sought-after and often sell within weeks of being listed.
Exotic Birkins, crafted from ostrich, lizard, alligator, or crocodile, typically take longer to sell compared to leather versions, as buyers of these rare pieces tend to be highly selective regarding size, hardware, and color. Dark, neutral exotic Birkins generally attract more interest and sell faster than brightly colored variations, which may require additional time to find the right buyer.
Sell A Birkin Now on Marketplace
Birkins sold on Sotheby’s Marketplace are offered at a fixed price, with sellers receiving 80% of the final selling amount. The price of each Birkin is determined by factors such as condition, color, material, and size, while market demand for specific limited-edition Birkins can fluctuate, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Birkin market. As the most popular Hermès bag on Sotheby’s Marketplace, Birkins typically sell within 30 to 45 days, especially when in pristine, store-fresh condition and crafted from leather.
Sell a Birkin in the Next Auction
Sotheby’s holds handbag auctions several times a year in prestigious locations such as New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong. Our specialists can assist you in navigating the global auction calendar and determining the best location to sell your Birkin. One of the key advantages of selling at auction is the high likelihood of your bag selling during the auction event, whereas items listed on Sotheby’s marketplace may take longer to sell. Certain bags, particularly those that are highly coveted or rare, can command higher prices at auction due to the competitive bidding process, which often results in premiums above market value.
Both leather and limited-edition Birkins have sold for prices far exceeding their typical market value. However, auction outcomes can be unpredictable, and the increased price variability may not be ideal for all sellers. For those seeking more stability, selling at a fixed price through the marketplace may be a better option. A Sotheby’s specialist will be happy to offer tailored advice on the pros and cons of auction versus marketplace, helping you make an informed decision on the best avenue for selling your Birkin.
Sell a Birkin via Private Sale
Sotheby’s offers select Birkins through private sale in exclusive markets such as Dubai and France, where marketplace limitations may apply. These private sales typically feature exotic or rare limited-edition bags, as leather Birkins are generally not sold through this channel. The private sale offerings provide access to some of the most unique and highly coveted Birkins, ensuring a truly exceptional selection for discerning buyers.
Contact handbagspecialists@sothebys.com if you have questions about buying or selling a Birkin.
Advantages to Buying an Hermès Birkin on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Hermès bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Hermès Bag at a boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing a Hermès.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès or rare limited edition Hermès bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buy and Sell an Hermès Birkin at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.
Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
