The Newest Hermès Bag Collector Obsession: The Birkin 20
Learn everything you need to know about the smallest Birkin bag: the Birkin 20.
History of the Hermès Birkin 20
The first Hermès Birkin 20 was released in 2019 as a limited edition called the Birkin 20 Faubourg or also referred to as the "House Birkin". The front of the bag was designed to model its flagship boutique at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. The first two Birkin 20 Faubourgs produced were named Day in mostly brown and Night in mostly blue. The bags are constructed with Matte Alligator flaps and Madame calfskin bodies, decorated with Swift window frames, Epsom glass and a Sombrero leather base. The awnings on all Faubourg Birkin 20 bags are done in the brand’s iconic color: Orange H Swift, which matches the little Hermès shopping bag that replaces the key-holding clochette. The limited edition Birkin 20 Faubourg is also in the more structured Sellier model. The Birkin 20 is also referred to as the Mini Birkin and even the Baby Birkin
In 2021, Hermès released two new versions of the Birkin 20 Faubourg called Midnight or Minuit and Snow or Neige. The Midnight is mostly black with Matte Alligator Flap and PVD Hardware that was last used in the So Black collection. The Snow version is the only Faubourg with a Matte Alligagor body and Togo leather flap. The Day, Night and Midnight Birkin 20 Faubourgs with Matte Alligator flaps retail for about $30,000 while the Snow Birkin 20 Faubourg with a Matte Alligator body retails for $48,000 in the boutique. The Day, Night and Midnight Birkin 20 Faubourg are currently selling for between $150,000 - $180,000 in the secondary market. The Snow Birkin 20 Faubourg sold for as high as $400,000 in early 2022 but is now selling between $200,000-$250,000. The newest Birkin Faubourg Rainy Days was released in 2024 and sold for $203,200 in March 2025, a significant premium to the Birkin Faubourg Day that sold for $152,400 in the same sale. Prices for the previous Birkin 20 Faubourg editions could continue to decline in the secondary market as the most dedicated Hermès collectors move on to the newest Limited Edition Birkin or Kelly bag.
Exotic Birkin 20
The Birkin 20 Sellier in Matte Alligator first became available on the secondary market in 2023. The new variation of the Mini Birkin is 20 centimeter and sellier model as the Birkin 20 Faubourg. This limited edition Birkin 20 is the newest obsession for Hermès collectors and we anticipate more color and hardware combinations in 2025. Sotheby's sold a Vert D'eau Matte Alligator Birkin 20 in Hong Kong for just over $115,000 or 889,000 HKD. A Matte Alligator Gris Ciment Birkin 20 Sellier sold for 762,000 HKD or almost $100,000 in 2024. Sotheby's sold a Black Lizard Birkin 20 Sellier for 600,000 HKD or about $78,000 in 2024. The first Vert D'eau Alligator Birkin 20 sold at the highest price so far for a Matte Alligator Birkin 20 Sellier, but the color has had a difficult finding additional buyers. The same color bag has been offered at auction several times and remained unsold. The second Matte Alligator Gris Ciment Birkin 20 offered in Paris sold for 88,900 Euro in 2024, a modest discount to the bag sold in Hong Kong. A Havane Alligator Birkin 20 sold for $88,900 in March 2025, consistent with prices in 2024 while a Gold Alligator Birkin 20 is being offered in HK in March 2025.
What's Next for the Mini Birkin
The Mini Birkin in leather has been restricted to very rare Limited Edition bags including the Disco Birkin 20 Faubourg and Bouclerie Moderne Casaque Birkin 20. This newest Birkin 20 from 2024 features colorful beads in several buckle designs inspired by equestrian gear on Black Chèvre Chamkila leather. The same design was also featured on an Hermès scarf for 2024. To date, the leather Birkin 20 bags have only been produced in limited edition designs.
Given the ongoing demand for the smallest Hermès Mini Kelly 20 II in leather, it would make sense the Birkin 20 will also be produced in Epsom leather like the Birkin 25 and Birkin 30 Sellier models. Similar to the first leather Mini Kelly 20 bags, we anticipate an initial frenzy for the leather Birkin 20 due to much larger market for leather versus exotic skin Birkin bags. Leather Hermès Mini Kelly 20 bags that are store fresh have remained steady at $25,000-$30,000 plus on the secondary market. The retail price for a Mini Kelly 20 is now $10,000 in Epsom and $10,800 in Chevre. The Birkin 20 in leather could also sell for as much as 3x the retail price while exotic bags rarely sell for even 2x retail. With the growing number of limited edition styles produced by Hermès, we anticipate the Birkin 20 will continue to be produced in new and limited edition models beyond variations of the Birkin 20 Faubourg.
Advantages to Buying Hermès Birkins on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Birkin bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Birkin bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Birkin bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Birkin bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès Birkin bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase Birkin 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 Birkin bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Birkin 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 Birkin 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 Birkin Bag at an Hermès 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 Birkin that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Birkin 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 Birkin.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Birkins or rare limited edition Birkin bags that are no longer available or especially difficult to purchase at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Birkin bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buying and Selling an Hermès Birkin at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of Hermès Birkins available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès Birkin bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find Birkins in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's also has rare and limited edition Hermès Birkin bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware. Sotheby's often has the newest Limited Edition Hermès Birkin bags and the newest Hermès colors before other secondary marketplaces. Prices for Hermès Birkin bags start at around $20,000 for larger older Birkin bags and exceed $100,000 for a Himalaya Birkin.
- Browse Hermès Birkin 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 Hermès Birkin bag.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
