What’s the Price of a Hermès Crocodile Birkin?

The Hermès Birkin is one of the brand’s most iconic and prestigious bags, and its price can vary significantly depending on the material. Among all variations, crocodile leather Birkins are the most expensive, often priced at over $34,400 USD.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the retail prices of crocodile Birkins, broken down by material. If you’re considering investing in one, this guide will help you better understand what to expect.

What Is a Crocodile Birkin, and Why Is It Considered the Ultimate in Luxury?

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A crocodile Birkin is the pinnacle of the Hermès Birkin collection. The crocodile leather used to craft it is known for its durability, refined texture, and glossy finish, elevating any outfit it’s paired with.

Crocodile leather resists aging and wear, unlike cowhide, so you can enjoy it in near-new condition for years. However, due to its limited availability and the difficulty of working with the material, crocodile Birkins are among the most expensive and exclusive.

What Types of Crocodile Leather Are Used in Birkins?

• Niloticus
• Alligator
• Porosus
  

Hermès uses three main types of exotic leather for crocodile Birkins. Though they all fall under crocodilian leather, each has a distinct look, feel, and price point. Below, we’ll go over each one in detail.

1. Niloticus

Niloticus is one of the highest-quality crocodile leathers used in Birkin bags. It features large, bold scales that give the bag a striking, powerful presence.

This leather gives off a slightly more casual vibe, making it a versatile choice for buyers in their 20s through 50s. It’s also used in the highly coveted “Himalaya Birkin,” often called the “phantom Birkin” due to its rarity.

Among the exotic leathers, Niloticus tends to be more affordable, making it a popular entry point for those looking to own a crocodile Birkin within budget.

2. Alligator

Alligator leather comes from a species different from crocodile and is native to North and South America. Because alligators are generally calmer in temperament, their skins are easier to source.

This availability makes alligator leather more affordable than crocodile options like Niloticus or Porosus. If an actual crocodile Birkin feels out of reach, alligator may be a smart alternative without compromising luxury.

3. Porosus

Porosus leather is considered the absolute finest among all exotic crocodile leathers. It comes from crocodiles native to Singapore and Southeast Asia and is prized for its rarity and incredible beauty.

Porosus scales feature a delicate gradient, growing smaller toward the edges, and are exceptionally elegant. Birkins made with Porosus leather typically retail for over $34,400 USD, and even used models can command prices over $13,770 USD.

Among all Birkins, those made with Porosus are reserved for an elite few, making them the pinnacle of Hermès luxury.

Crocodile Leather Is Used in Hermès’ Most Prestigious Bag: The Himalaya Birkin

The Himalaya Birkin is often called the pinnacle of Hermès craftsmanship. It is crafted exclusively from hand-selected Niloticus crocodile leather—one of the rarest and most luxurious exotic materials available.

Due to its limited availability and the difficulty of mass-producing this type of crocodile leather, the Himalaya Birkin is extraordinarily valuable. Hermès produces only a few to a few dozen Himalaya Birkins yearly, and their retail price exceeds $137,700 USD.

This ultra-exclusive bag is owned only by VIPs such as Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lopez; it is not available for purchase in-store and is offered only to a select few top-tier clients, further elevating its value.

Estimated Retail Prices for Crocodile Birkins

Product Name	Estimated Retail Price
Niloticus	From $44,100 USD
Alligator	From $39,000 USD
Porosus	From $60,600 USD

As of 2024, these are the estimated retail prices for crocodile leather Birkins. Prices vary by size and material, but even the least expensive options start at over $34,400 USD. Due to their extreme rarity and limited production, crocodile Birkins remain highly valuable.

However, they are tough to obtain even at these high prices. Not only are they unavailable to the general public, but even loyal Hermès customers find it nearly impossible to purchase one at retail. Because most pieces are sourced from international Hermès boutiques, they’re typically resold at a markup of $3,440 USD〜$6,890 USD. 

The prices above should therefore be taken as general references only.

Factors That Influence the Price of Crocodile Birkin Bags

Several key factors determine the market value of a crocodile Birkin bag. Condition is one of the most critical factors—bags in near-mint or unused condition fetch significantly higher prices. The year of manufacture also plays a role, as newer bags with recent date stamps tend to be more desirable in the resale market.

Model and size are also critical. Smaller sizes like the Birkin 25 are especially popular and often command higher prices, particularly in exotic leathers like Niloticus or Porosus crocodile. In contrast, larger sizes, such as the Birkin 40, tend to sell for lower prices due to shifting style preferences and practicality.

Color is another major factor. Classic shades like black, gold, and étoupe remain consistently in demand, while rare hues—especially limited-edition or seasonal colors—can drive up prices. Signature models such as the Himalaya Birkin are among the most valuable.

Ultimately, a combination of these elements—condition, age, model, color, and size—will determine how much a crocodile Birkin commands on the secondary market.

How to Purchase a Crocodile Birkin

The two main ways to acquire a crocodile Birkin are to buy one from an official Hermès boutique or purchase one at a trusted pre-owned luxury store. However, purchasing from an official Hermès store requires meeting certain conditions, and not everyone is eligible. We explore both options in detail below.

Purchasing from an Official Hermès Boutique

To buy a crocodile Birkin from Hermès, you must first become a "special client" of a Hermès flagship boutique. Hermès categorizes customers into tiers: “General,” “Client,” “Preferred Client,” and “Special Client.” Your rank depends on your total spending at Hermès, with higher spenders moving up the ladder. Notable Clients are given priority for crocodile Birkins, but even then, there's no guarantee—you may only be informed when the item becomes available. That’s how rare and exclusive this bag truly is.

Purchasing from a Pre-Owned Luxury Store

Another option is buying from a specialized secondhand store. Although rare, if the timing is right, even non-Hermès clients may be able to buy one. The downside is that you may be unable to choose the size or color. However, many pre-owned crocodile Birkins are still in excellent condition. At Gallery Rare, for example, you can confidently shop high-quality and authenticated crocodile Birkins in excellent condition. You might even find discontinued and scarce models, so it's worth checking out.

3 Ways to Sell a Crocodile Birkin for the Best Price

If you want to sell a crocodile Birkin at a high price, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind. These include holding on to all original accessories, choosing sought-after colors and materials, and comparing multiple resale offers. Birkins in popular hues, premium skins, and desirable sizes tend to receive higher valuations. Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.

Include All Original Accessories

To maximize your resale value, present your Birkin in a condition as close as possible to when it was first purchased. This includes the original box, dust bag, ribbon, and shopping bag. Having all accessories significantly increases your chances of a higher offer. Also, gently wiping the bag before your appraisal might positively impact the final estimate. Regular maintenance will help prevent deterioration and protect its value over time.

Choose In-Demand Colors and Materials

Crocodile Birkins come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and finishes, which adds to their appeal. Colors like black and gray are especially sought after and tend to fetch higher prices. Other popular colors like cassis and silver can also command high resale value, depending on the condition. If you think you might eventually sell the bag, opting for timeless, classic colors at the time of purchase is a smart move. While limited-edition colors and designs may be rare, they can be harder to resell at a high price because of narrower demand. Among materials, Niloticus and Porosus crocodile leather are especially desirable—keep this in mind when choosing.

Compare Multiple Buyback Offers

Many luxury resale shops handle crocodile Birkins, so it’s wise to research and compare offers from several dealers before selling. Naturally, popular colors and materials bring in higher prices, but you should also look for stores that factor in the condition of your bag when pricing. At Gallery Rare, experienced appraisers specializing in Hermès products can offer accurate, fair valuations. In addition to in-store appraisals, Gallery Rare offers assessments via LINE, email, or phone—convenient and efficient. We can evaluate your crocodile Birkin regardless of its condition, so visit our official website if you're considering a sale.

Conclusion: Crocodile Birkin Retail Prices and Resale Tips

• There are three primary crocodile materials used in Birkin bags.
• The domestic reference price starts at around $38,600 USD, but buying at retail is extremely rare.
• To sell your Birkin for the highest price, include all original accessories and compare multiple resale offers.
  

In this guide, we’ve covered the retail pricing of crocodile Birkins and how to maximize resale value. With three different crocodile materials available, each bag has a unique price point. While prices start at around $39,000 USD, most buyers will never have the chance to purchase at retail due to the bag’s rarity. 

If you’re looking to buy or sell a crocodile Birkin, check reputable pre-owned stores like Gallery Rare. We also accept crocodile Birkins for direct purchase, so feel free to consult us if you're considering selling.

*Please note that the prices listed in our blog are for reference only and are converted from Japanese Yen (JPY) to US Dollars (USD) using the exchange rate of June 2025. Prices on the sales site include customs duties and shipping fees. Actual exchange rates may vary.