5 Rarest Birkin Bags Every Collector Dreams of Owning
The Hermès Birkin Bag usually tops the wishlist of every luxury fashion lover. But what when all of the classic Birkins are collected? Right, then it’s time to hunt for something extra special! And when it comes to the Birkins, there are quite a few designs collectors are particularly dying to get their hands on. In fact, some of these bags are so rare that only the most hardcore Hermès enthusiasts may know about them. Are you one of those people? Discover the 5 rarest Birkin bags every collector dreams of owning below.
The Rarest Birkin Bags
| Hermès Birkin Bag Style | Why it’s rare | First Released | Why collectors want it |
| Himalaya Birkin | It is crafted from exceptionally rare Niloticus crocodile leather | 2008 | Every bag is unique in color |
| Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin | It is the original prototype created specifically for Jane Birkin | 1985 | It is the first Hermès Birkin bag ever made |
| Birkin Faubourg | The design pays homage to the iconic Hermès Flagship boutique in Paris | 2019 | The whimsical storefront design and coveted Birkin 20 size |
| Picnic Birkin | It is one of the most challenging Birkin bags to produce, requiring 2 expert artisans. | 2021 | Complex construction |
| Sac Bijou Birkin | Part handbag, part high jewelry creation | 2012 | Only a handful of examples of this bag exist worldwide. |
1. Himalaya Birkin
Back in 2022, Sotheby’s Auction House sold a diamond-encrusted Himalaya Birkin 30 for a record-breaking price of over $450,000 USD. And I think it’s safe to say that out of all limited edition Birkin bags, the Himalaya Birkin is the most well known. Crafted from Niloticus crocodile skin dyed in a distinctive grey and white gradient to evoke the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Himalayan Mountains, this bag is a testament to the House’s incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail. And that’s exactly what makes it so valuable among Hermès collectors.
Read also: Hermès Blind Stamps: A Collector’s Guide
2. Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin 35
Just if you thought $450,000 USD was already way too much to pay for a handbag, wait until you hear this. In 2025, Jane Birkin’s original Birkin bag was put up for auction. And it sold for an absolutely crazy price tag of 10.1 million USD. (learn more about it here). Basically, one very lucky businessman from Japan has acquired it for his personal collection. But when you think about it, this is really the ultimate Birkin for any collector to own. So no wonder they are willing to pay millions for it.
3. Birkin Faubourg
A celebration of House’s history, the Birkin Faubourg is one of the most highly sought-after limited edition Birkins among the collectors at the moment. Introduced at the end of 2019, the design is meant to mimic the iconic Hermès storefront on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, featuring three windows with orange awnings at the front of the design, complete with a tiny, orange shopping bag clochette. Unlike many other limited-edition Birkins, the Faubourg also comes in the ultra-compact 20 cm size, making it one of the smallest and arguably one of the most striking Birkin bags ever made.
4. Picnic Birkin
First offered in 2021 in size 25, the Picnic Birkin is one of the most beautiful limited edition Birkin bags ever produced. Crafted from natural Osier wicker with finishing touches in either Swift or Barenia leather, the bag is the result of an extraordinary collaborative process: a specialist basket weaver first creates the woven wicker body before a master saddler meticulously constructs and attaches the leather elements. One of the most complex bags produced by Hermès, the Picnic Birkin is a coveted bag among fashionistas and collectors alike. Especially in size 25.
5. Sac Bijou Birkin
First unveiled in 2012 as part of Hermès’ Haute Bijouterie collection, the Sac Bijou Birkin transforms the iconic Birkin bag into a functioning piece of high jewelry. Crafted from either rose or white gold inlaid with over 2,000 diamonds, this miniaturized Birkin is designed to be worn as a bracelet while still remaining a fully functional handbag. Would you really want to carry your stuff in a bag that weights over 80 carats? That’s another question. But the fact stays that the Sac Bijou Birkin is one of the rarest Birkin bags that exist, with only a handful of them made to this day (Isha Ambani was recently spotted with one at the Paris Haute Couture Week).
FAQ’s
The most expensive Birkin bag ever sold is Jane Birkin’s original prototype Birkin, which achieved an astonishing $10.1 million USD at Sotheby’s Paris in 2025. The one-of-one bag was originally created for Jane Birkin herself in 1985 and featured details never seen on later production models, including a fixed shoulder strap and unique hardware.
While opinions differ among collectors, Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin 35 is widely considered the rarest Birkin ever made because it is literally a one-of-one piece. Among regular production models, the Diamond Himalaya Birkin is generally regarded as the rarest and most desirable Birkin available to collectors.
The value of a Himalaya Birkin varies depending on size, condition, and hardware. Standard examples often sell for well over $200,000, while Diamond Himalaya Birkins with white gold and diamond hardware can exceed $400,000-$500,000 USD at auction.
Technically yes, but in practice it is extremely difficult. Limited edition Birkins such as the Faubourg or Picnic Birkin are typically offered only to Hermès’ most established clients and in very small numbers. As a result, many collectors ultimately turn to the secondary market or auction houses to acquire these pieces.
Historically, many limited edition Birkins have performed exceptionally well on the resale market, particularly models such as the Himalaya, Faubourg, So Black, and Picnic Birkin. As a long-term collector, however, I personally recommend that you buy bags you genuinely love rather than viewing them purely as financial investments.
I hope that this post was insightful and fun to read! Feel free to leave any of your Birkin bag questions in the comments!
xoxo’s, Masha
