When Hummels debuted in 1935, the sweet little porcelain figurines of rosy-cheeked children immediately charmed the public.
Ninety years later, Hummels are still beloved additions to homes and coveted by millions of collectors worldwide. While modestly priced Hummels dominate today’s market, some rare and limited-edition figurines can sell for thousands of dollars.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT HUMMEL VALUES
Hummels were created by Sister Maria Innocentia (born Berta Hummel), a German Franciscan nun and prolific artist. The first figurines based on her paintings were produced by Goebel Porcelain and debuted at the Trade Fair in Leipzig, Germany, in 1935. Hundreds of figurines and variations have been made since then and depict cherubic Bavarian children climbing trees, playing music, reading books, setting off on adventures, doing daily tasks, and other things.
Most Hummels sell today between $10 to $25, mainly because of how many were produced to keep up with their demand during the mid-century. But certain figurines, especially rare and limited-edition examples, can achieve impressive prices. Factors that can influence value include:
- Trademarks (TMK): Trademarks, explained in this Dictionary entry and shown here, indicate the year a Hummel was created. Older figurines often have marks/stamps inscribed on the base. In general, the older a Hummel’s trademark, the higher its value.
- Mold numbers: The bottom of each figurine has numbers to identify the specific character it depicts. Figurine numbers no longer in production are typically more valuable.
- Size: Hummels range from around 3 inches to approximately 32 inches; bigger figurines are usually worth more.
- Rarity: Some Hummels were manufactured for decades, while others were made in limited quantities or part of a special series, making them rarer and more valuable. Also rare and highly valued are Hummels depicting adults made as samples but not approved for production, like this old man and old woman.
With certain figurines worth thousands of dollars on the secondary market, it’s also important to learn how to spot fakes.
5 OF THE MOST VALUABLE HUMMELS
While prices recorded in the last three years show that the majority of figurines have sold between $10 and $50, there have been some standouts, including an extremely rare Disney version of Land in Sight that sold for $4,999 in 2024, a limited-edition Sister’s Children that sold for $3,999 in 2022, and a limited-edition Grandmother’s Treasure that brought $3,500 in 2022.
The demand and popularity of certain figurines can also affect values. Below are five Hummels that have sold for the highest prices the most over the past three years, so be on the lookout for them while out thrifting.
APPLE TREE BOY/APPLE TREE GIRL, UP TO $19,000
These early figurines were first made in 1940 and feature a sweet-faced girl (#141) and a boy (#142) perched in an apple tree. Though made as separate pieces, they are often sold as a set. These are among the most popular and valuable Hummels, prices for which vary depending on the size. Both figurines have been made in different heights: 3-1/2 and 6 inches, 10-1/4 and 11 inches, and 30 to 32 inches. The largest versions, marked “142/X,” are rare and worth more.
Though most of these Hummels have sold for between $10 and $100 over the past three years, many have been bought for some of the highest prices recorded in the database, with sets going for as high as $3,000 and individual jumbo sizes as high as $19,000.
The top three highest-selling figurines in the last three years are a 32-inch Apple Tree Boy that sold for $19,000 in 2024; a 32-inch Apple Tree Girl that sold for $4,900 in 2023; and a 30-inch Apple Tree Boy that fetched $3,999 in 2023.
MADONNA HOLDING CHILD, UP TO $7,999
Originally called Madonna with the Blue Cloak, Madonna Holding Child (#151) was first made in 1942 and depicts Mary holding Jesus, a toddler rather than an infant. It has been produced in different color variations: dark blue cloak, pastel blue cloak, brown cloak, an ivory finish, white overglaze, and a rare green-cloak version.
Over the past three years, most of these figurines have sold between $50 and $300, but some examples have commanded much more, including the top three highest sellers: rare brown-cloaked and green-cloaked figurines that each sold in 2024 for $7,999.95 and a brown-cloaked Madonna that sold for $800 in 2022.
INTERNATIONAL HUMMELS, UP TO $7,500
Other Hummels that are popular with collectors are the International series of figurines that debuted in the 1940s. These examples, with mold numbers between 800 and 900, are dressed in the traditional clothing of their countries, like Bulgaria, Hungary, and Serbia.
While most International Hummels have sold between $10 and $25 over the past three years, more than forty figurines have sold for thousands, including the top three: a Swedish Girl for $7,500 in 2025, a Bulgarian Girl for $2,750 in 202, and a Bulgarian Boy for $2,395 in 2023.
UMBRELLA BOY/UMBRELLA GIRL, UP TO $4,000
These figurines, shielding themselves from the rain with big umbrellas, were first made in the 1940s—Umbrella Boy (#152A) in 1942 and his companion piece, Umbrella Girl (#152B) in 1949. Though produced as separate figurines, they are often sold as pairs. The original versions are around 5 inches high, while larger 8-inch sizes were made later and generally carry a higher price.
Most of these Hummels have sold individually in the $50 to $200 range, but collectors have been willing to pay much more for pairs—almost 30 pairs have sold between $500 and $950—and large Umbrella Boy figurines. Large-size Umbrella Boy Hummels are a good example of how rarity can often boost the value. They have been the top three highest sellers: one, which sold for $4,000 in 2024, has an old style of the incised 152 and also a TMK-1 mark indicating it was produced in the 1940s, both factors of which likely drove it to this price; another one sold for $3,400 in 2024, and one for $1,100 in 2022.
MERRY WANDERER, UP TO $2,999
With an umbrella slung over a shoulder and a travel bag in the other hand as he resolutely marches on toward some adventure, the Merry Wanderer (#7), an early design from 1935, is one of the most iconic Hummel figurines and a must-have for any collection.
This Hummell has been made in various variations and sizes, from around 5 inches to 32 inches. While most of these figurines have sold in the past three years between $10 and $25, larger sizes and other rare examples have brought thousands, including the top three highest sellers: this figurine and this one, both 31 inches, sold in 2023 for $2,999 each, and a white porcelain example sold for $$1,999 in 2023. Many in the 10- to 12-inch range have sold between $300 and $1,700.
Even if most Hummels are worth $50 or less, this doesn’t dampen collectors’ enthusiasm for these adorable figurines, which will surely be treasured for years to come.
Adina K. Francis has been a writer and editor in the antiques and collectibles field for more than twenty years. She has a bit of an obsession with the Victorians and thinks that dogs are one of life’s greatest gifts.
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