Investment grade handbags have grown in value by 7.8% a year on average since 2004, reveals the JustCollecting Handbag Index, updated in February 2016.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INDEX
Best performing handbags 2
- CHANEL 2.55 Medium Classic Flap Bag: up 10.6% per annum to $5,000
- Hermes 1990s Cognac Leather 40cm Birkin: up 10.3% pa to $13,000
- Emilio Pucci 1970s Black Leather & Velvet Pucci handbag: up 8.8% pa to $550
- Christian Dior Lady Dior Cannage: up 8.5% pa to $4,000
- Coach 1960s Leather Sling Bag: up 7.9% pa to $250
“The designer handbag sector screams ‘investment potential’
Best performing handbags 2
- Hermes 1990s Cognac Leather 40cm Birkin: up 30.0% to $13,000
- Coach 1960s Leather Sling Bag: up 25.0% to $250
- Christian Dior Lady Dior Cannage: up 14.3% to $4,000
- Chanel 2.55 Medium Classic Flap Bag: up 11.1% to $5,000
- Hermes Kelly 32cm Sellier Box Calf: up 10% to $5,500
- Louis Vuitton Classic 25 Monogram Speedy: up 10% to $550
“The designer handbag sector screams ‘investment potential’,” says ‘s Dan Wade. “Top fashion houses produce only a limited number of bags each year, which means demand far outweighs supply – causing prices to rise. It’s no surprise to see Chanel, Hermes and Christian Dior among the leading names. Hermes’ Birkin and Kelly bags are arguably the two most famous handbags ever created. At growth of 10.6% per annum, Chanel’s ‘2.55’ Medium Classic Flap Bag was the best performer since 2004. That’s due to a surge in appreciation for the bag’s timeless style, which – as its name alludes to – was first produced in February, 1955. If you’re looking to invest in a 2.55, avoid the 2005 reissue, which has value, but not as much as the original classic.”
Most valuable handbags in the JustCollecting Handbag Index
- Hermes 1990s Cognac Leather 40cm Birkin: $13,000
- Hermes Kelly 32cm Sellier Box Calf: $5,500
- Chanel 2.55 Medium Classic Flap: $5,000
- Christian Dior Lady Dior Cannage: $4,000
- Chanel Red Caviar Leather Vintage Weekender: $2,000
This Rare Handbag Index tracks the value of investment-grade regularly traded handbags, using analysis of auctions and private sales, in addition to expert opinion. The values shown are reflective of “very good” condition examples – unless otherwise stated.
| Make | Model | ($) 2004 | ($) 2014 | ($) 2016 | % Change in price 2 | % Change in price 2 |
| Balenciaga | Leather Classic City | 700 | 1,300 | 1,300 | 85.7% | 0% |
| 2.55 Medium Classic Flap | 1,500 | 4,500 | 5,000 | 233.3% | 11.1% | |
| Chanel | Red Caviar Leather Vintage Weekender | 1,500 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 33.3% | 0% |
| Christian Dior | Lady Dior Cannage | 1,500 | 3,500 | 4,000 | 166.7% | 14.3% |
| Coach | 1960s Leather Sling Bag | 100 | 200 | 250 | 150% | 25% |
| 1970s Black Leather and Velvet Pucci | 200 | 550 | 550 | 175% | 0% | |
| Fendi | 1990s Khaki Lizard and Beaver Fur | 400 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 150% | 0% |
| Gucci | Brown Crocodile Skin Crocodylus Porosus, 1960 | 600 | 600 | 600 | 0% | 0% |
| Halston | 1970s/1980s Taupe Ostrich Leather Clutch | 50 | 75 | 75 | 50% | 0% |
| 1990s Cognac Leather Birkin 40cm | 4,000 | 10,000 | 13,000 | 225% | 30% | |
| Hermes | Kelly 32cm Sellier Box Calf | 2,500 | 5,000 | 5,500 | 120% | 10% |
| Judith Leiber | Multi Mauve Snakeskin, circa late 20th century | 300 | 500 | 500 | 66.7% | 0% |
| Louis Vuitton | Classic 25 Monogram Speedy | 250 | 500 | 550 | 120% | 10% |
| Vintage Alligator circa 1960 | 400 | 950 | 950 | 137.5% | 0% | |
| Nicholas Reich | Alligator 1960s | 350 | 400 | 400 | 14.3% | 0% |
| Prada | Brown Snakeskin Vintage Shoulder Bag | 300 | 450 | 450 | 50% | 0% |
| Renaud Pellegrino | Colorblock Leather Vintage Clutch Bag with Large Studs | 30 | 50 | 50 | 66.7% | 0% |
| Roberta di Camerino | Brown Velour and Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag | 150 | 200 | 200 | 33.3% | 0% |
| Wilardy | Pearlescent Lucite Circular circa 1960 | 200 | 450 | 450 | 125% | 0% |
| Overall | $15,030 | $32,225 | $36,825 | 145% | 14.3% |
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