You probably found them in a dusty corner of the attic or inherited a glass-fronted curio cabinet filled with rosy-cheeked children. Maybe you're looking at a little boy with an umbrella or a girl feeding geese and thinking, "This is my ticket to a down payment."
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but for most people, the answer to what are Hummels worth is usually enough for a decent dinner out, not a new car.
The market has shifted. Hard.
Back in the 1970s and 80s, Hummel figurines were the gold standard of collectibles. People joined clubs, tracked "TMK" marks like they were trading stocks, and paid hundreds of dollars for pieces that are now sitting on eBay for $15.
But don't go donating them to Goodwill just yet. While the "common" Hummels have tanked in value, there are still a few "holy grail" pieces that collectors will fight over. We’re talking thousands of dollars.
Why the Market Crashed (and Who Is Still Buying)
Honestly, it's a generational thing. The people who loved Hummels—the ones who lived through the post-war era and found comfort in Sister Maria Innocentia’s whimsical drawings—are downsizing. As they move into smaller homes or pass away, thousands of these figurines are hitting the market at once.
Basic supply and demand. Supply is huge. Demand from younger generations? Not so much.
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Most kids today want minimalist decor, not 50 porcelain statues of kids in Bavarian outfits. Because of this, your average, mid-sized Hummel from the 1970s (the TMK-5 era) usually sells for between $15 and $50.
However, "International" Hummels or rare samples can still command a premium. If you have a "Bulgarian Girl" or a "Hungarian Boy," you’re looking at a serious payday.
The Secret Code on the Bottom
If you want to know what are Hummels worth, you have to flip them over. The bottom of the figurine tells the whole story.
You’re looking for the Trademark (TMK). This is the little bee or crown logo that tells you when it was made. Generally speaking, the older the mark, the higher the value.
- TMK-1 (The Crown Mark): Used from 1935 to 1949. These are the OGs. If you see a crown, you’re likely looking at a piece worth $100 to $500, depending on the model.
- TMK-2 (The Full Bee): 1950 to 1955. Still very desirable.
- TMK-5 (The Last Bee): 1972 to 1979. This is where you find the most common pieces. They were mass-produced. They aren't rare.
- TMK-7 and TMK-8: Modern pieces. Unless they are huge or limited editions, they usually don't hold their original retail value.
Don't ignore the incised mold number either. It’s usually a 1-to-4-digit number stamped into the porcelain. This identifies the design. If you have a #1 (Puppy Love), that’s cool, but it’s common. If you have a #347 (Adventure Bound), you might want to sit down before checking the price.
The Heavy Hitters: Hummels Worth Real Money
Some Hummels are just built different. Literally. Size matters a lot in this world. A 3-inch "Merry Wanderer" is a dime a dozen. A 32-inch "Merry Wanderer"? That’s a mortgage payment.
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Here are the ones that actually move the needle in 2026:
Adventure Bound (HUM 347)
This is a group of seven boys going on an adventure. It’s big, it’s complex, and it’s rare. A TMK-2 (Full Bee) version of this can easily fetch $4,000 to $6,000. Even newer versions can go for over $1,000.
Apple Tree Boy & Girl (Large Versions)
The standard 4-inch ones are everywhere. But if you have the "colossal" 12-inch or 32-inch versions (marked 142/X), you’re looking at a value of $2,000 to $4,000.
Ring Around the Rosie (HUM 348)
This depicts four girls playing. Because it’s a large "group" piece, it’s always in demand. It typically sells for $500 to $1,200 depending on the condition and trademark.
Picture Perfect (HUM 2100)
Interestingly, some modern pieces are valuable. This one was a limited edition of 2,500 pieces for the 25th anniversary of the Hummel Club. It shows children with a camera and a dog. It’s sold for $1,500 recently because collectors who missed out on the original release are desperate to complete their sets.
The Disney Collection
Before Goebel stopped making Hummels in 2008, they did a crossover with Disney. A Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse in the Hummel style is a weird hybrid that collectors love. A signed Mickey has sold for as high as $17,000, though most are in the $1,000 range.
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Condition Is Everything (And I Mean Everything)
I've seen people get heartbroken because they had a "rare" piece that had a tiny "flea bite" (a microscopic chip) on the ear.
In the Hummel world, a chip or a crack kills 80% to 90% of the value.
Look out for crazing. This is the fine spiderweb-like cracking in the glaze. While common on older pieces, collectors today are picky. They want "mint." If you have the original box, that can add 20% to the price. It sounds crazy to keep a cardboard box for 50 years, but it matters.
How to Actually Sell Them
Don't take them to a pawn shop. They’ll offer you $5 a head.
If you think you have a "big" piece, get an appraisal from someone like Dr. Lori Verderame or a specialist at an auction house like Blackwell Auctions. They know the nuances.
For the common stuff? eBay is your best bet, but check the "Sold" listings, not the "Active" ones. People can ask for $500 for a Goose Girl, but if she’s selling for $20, she’s worth $20.
Practical Steps for Your Collection
If you're staring at a shelf of these right now, do this:
- Dust them gently. Use a soft makeup brush. Never submerge them in water if they have holes in the bottom, as water gets trapped inside and can cause mold or internal damage.
- Identify the TMK. Look at the bee. Compare it to an online trademark chart.
- Check the mold number. Look for numbers like 347, 348, or any number followed by "/III" or "/X" (which denotes a large size).
- Look for "First Issue" or "Final Issue" stamps. These were produced for one year only and have a slight edge in the market.
- Be realistic. If it’s a standard 4-inch figurine with a TMK-6 (the 1980s mark), it’s probably a sentimental heirloom, not a financial asset.
Ultimately, the value of a Hummel is what someone is willing to pay for it today. The market is smaller than it used to be, but the passion for these little German kids hasn't entirely disappeared. Just don't expect to retire on them unless you've got a 32-inch Wanderer hidden in the garage.