Guide to Buying Hermès Crocodile and Alligator Bags
Everything to consider when buying a Crocodile Birkin, Hermès Alligator Kelly or other exotic Hermès bag
When it comes to Hermès bags there is a hierarchy of materials. Full-grain leather bags make the majority of what is sold at Hermès boutiques. Hermès also makes very limited quantities of bags in exotic skins like Lizard, Ostrich, Crocodile or Alligator that retail for multiples of the price of similar leather bags. Alligator or Crocodile Hermès occupy their own level of luxury, and crocodile sits atop this group. Only VVIP Hermès clients are allowed to special order a crocodile or alligator bag. To help collectors learn more about these highly-valued Hermès bags, we’ve put together a guide to Hermès’ most luxurious and expensive materials.
Hermès Crocodile Bag
Currently Hermès Crocodile bag are made using two different species of crocodile. Each type Hermès Crocodile has a unique set of features. The most highly-valued Hermès Crocodile is Porosus and is sourced from Australia. Hermès crocodile Porosus scales tend to have the most distinct pores in the center of each scale. Appearing as a little dot, these pores are what give Hermès Crocodile Porosus its name. An Hermès Bag in this species are marked with a ^ next to the Hermès logo, whereas Hermès Crocodile Niloticus (Nilo for short) is marked with a = and are sourced from North Africa. Niloticus Hermès Crocodile bags sometimes have pores similar to Porosus Hermès crocodile but tend to have longer, more rectangular scales compared to the tight small square scales expected on an Porosus Hermès crocodile bag. In decades past Hermès has also used Caiman crocodile, marked with an O by the brand stamp. Caiman Hermès crocodile bags tend to have big square scales, though this material was discontinued when Hermès found it difficult to reliably source high grade Caiman skins.
Hermès Alligator Bag
Hermès uses Alligator skin sourced from the Mississippiensis species, native to the United States. While Alligator skin may look similar to Crocodile, it has a number of key differences. The smaller Alligator has noticeably smaller scales without visible pores, giving it a smoother look. The scales are often larger in the center of the bag and then taper to smaller sizes at the edges of the bag. Hermès Alligator bags are marked with a small square by the Hermès brand logo. Alligator skin is delicate and water can leave permanent stains or marks on the surface. There are three finishes for Hermès Alligator skin bags including Matte, Shiny (Lisse) and Boreal Satin. These finished are achieved through different processing techniques by skilled artisans.
Hermès Crocodile vs Alligator Bag Finishes
The two common finishes for Hermès crocodile and Hermès alligator bags are Shiny or Matte. Shiny, or Lisse bags are buffed to a near mirror finish using a smooth agate stone. Shiny Hermès crocodile and Hermès alligator bags have a glossy effect without using any actual gloss. A matte finish for an Hermès crocodile and Hermès alligator bag is achieved through repeatedly rubbing the skin with a piece of wool felt. A Matte Hermès crocodile or Hermès alligator bag have been increasing in popularity and value recently. Matte finish Hermès bags are less likely to show scratches or water marks on the exterior. Matte finish bags are more expensive than shiny in retail and in the secondary market.
Recently Hermès crocodile and Hermès alligator items were released with a new finish called Boreal Satin. This finish is similar to Matte with silkier touch, and so far has only been spotted in a few colors. Mostly seen on small accessories, Boreal Satin bags are extremely rare on the secondary market.
Hermès Crocodile vs Alligator Bag Colors
Hermès may be known for its fabulous colors, but certain hues are made exclusively for exotics. Aside from the world-famous Himalayans, other exotic-exclusive colors include Vert Emerald, Mimosa, Gris Paris and Rose Scheherazade, as well as others. The variation in scales gives these colors incredible depth and vibrancy that simply cannot be achieved on regular leather. While bright colors and shiny finish are popular with some collectors, the majority of collectors are looking for Black or other neutral colors to add to their collection. The Birkin 25, Kelly 25 and Mini Kelly 20 are the most sought after exotic bags with Birkin 30 and Kelly 28 being the next most popular.
Price of Hermès Birkin Crocodile and Alligator Bags
Prices for Hermès Birkin bags in crocodile and alligator vary widely with condition, age, model, color and size all factoring into secondary market prices. Himalaya Birkin are the most expensive crocodile Birkin bags with prices range from $150,000 to $300,000 and even higher for Diamond Hermès Himalya Birkins. The alligator Birkin 20 bags that have come to market have sold for between $90,000 to $115,000 but prices could compress in 2025 depending on the colors that come to market. Birkin 25 bags in crocodile and alligator with recent date stamps generally sell at the highest prices from $45,000 to $75,000. The followed by the Birkin 30 in alligator and crocodile which has been selling from $25,000 to $50,000. The Birkin 35 and 40 in crocodile and alligator sell at the lowest price at around $20,000 to $40,000 depending on color, condition and date stamp.
Price of Hermès Kelly Crocodile and Alligator Bags
Prices for Hermès Kelly bags in crocodile and alligator varies widely based on a number of factors with size and age being the most important drivers. The vintage Kelly 32 and 35 bags from before 2000 sell at the lowest prices at auction ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the condition. The most expensive crocodile and alligator Kelly bags are the Mini Kelly 20 II since there are very few available on the secondary market. While prices have declined from the peak reached in 2022, Mini Kelly 20 II bags with recent date stamps are selling for over $50,000. Prices for the Kelly 25 in crocodile or alligator have remained steady since 2021 at around $40,000 to $60,000. A crocodile or alligator Kelly 28 sold for between $25,000 to $50,000 in 2024 with bags with date stamps within the last 12 months selling for higher.
Buying and Selling Exotic Hermès Bags at Sotheby's
Sotheby's has several ways to buy Hermès crocodile and alligator bags. There are handbag auctions in New York, Zurich, Paris, and Hong Kong every year with a curated selection of rare and collectible exotic Birkins, Hermès Kelly bags and more. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Hermès crocodile and alligator bags available for immediate purchase. Expect to find excellent and pristine condition Hermès bags in Shiny and Matte Alligator and Crocodile in a range of colors and date stamps. Birkins and Kelly bags are the most desirable crocodile and alligator bags but also much rarer than leather bags. If you're looking for a pristine alligator or crocodile Birkin or Kelly in a specific color that you don't see online or at auction, a salon associate can partner with our specialists to source a bag.
- Browse exotic Hermès bags available for immediate delivery.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions across the globe.
- 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 exotic Hermès bag.
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