Hummel figurines can be worth anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand dollars. Valuing Hummel figurines takes a lot of things into consideration. The four factors that influence the value of a Hummel figurines are the mold number, the size, the trademark style, and the condition of your figurine. You don't have to be a Hummel expert as long as you can determine these details about your Hummel collection. With this information, you can determine the approximate value of your Hummel figurines.

Name of the Hummel Figurine

You might already know the name of the figurine. If not, it's possible to determine this information with the numbers marked on the base of the figurine. Each MI Hummel figurine is marked with a mold number, known to collectors as the figurine's “Hum Number.” Hummel collectors' guides have a list of the known mold numbers and the names of the figurines to which they correspond. Some Hummel figurines are highly sought after, while others are more common.

Figurine Size

Although many Hummel figurines were produced in only one size, others came in several different sizes. Measure your figurine to determine its height. Although larger figurines tend to be worth more than smaller ones, this may not be the case, particularly if your figurine was produced in only one size. There are also cases in which a given figurine was made available in two sizes; one common and one much less common. The value will be higher on the one produced in smaller quantities, even if it is smaller in size.

Trademark Style

Since the beginning of the MI Hummel line in 1935, each figurine has been marked with a trademark on the underside of the base. The style of this mark has gone through eight separate generations, each used during a distinct period in Hummel history. By determining which of the trademarks is marked on your figurine, you can pinpoint its date of manufacture. The trademark style is denoted by collectors as TMK-1 through TMK-8, with Hummel value guides giving separate prices for each trademark style. In general, those with earlier trademark styles are worth more than recently-produced Hummel figurines, although this is not always the case.

Hummel Figurine Condition

The full 'book value' of a Hummel figurine only applies to examples in mint condition, with no chips or cracks. Carefully inspect your figurine for signs of damage, which can include crazing, or tiny cracks that look like spiderwebs in the glaze. Chips, cracks, and paint loss or fading are also common. Often, Hummel figurines with small, delicate parts will have been broken and repaired. Even if this repair is not noticeable at first, it will impact the value of your Hummel figurine. The best repairs may only be seen with the help of a blacklight or X-ray, although most Hummel repairs can be seen by the naked eye.

Researching the Value of Hummel Figurines

Once you have collected all of this information about your Hummel figurines, how do you determine what they are worth? There are several Hummel value guides that can help you determine the worth of a Hummel figurine. The give 'book value,' some are known for being more accurate than others. This can be an invaluable resource for those trying to appraise their Hummel collection for insurance purposes.

If you want to know what a particular figurine has been selling for recently, one of the best resources out there is eBay. If you are registered with eBay, you can view completed listings for the past few months. This will give you an accurate view of the possible price range for your Hummel figurine. It may be higher or lower than the 'book value' you see in a Hummel price guide. Ebay prices are often referred to as the 'market value' for a Hummel figurine, as opposed to its 'book value.'

If in doubt, you can also consult an appraiser for an outside opinion about the value of your Hummel figurine. These treasured keepsakes have a large market of collectors, and Hummel figurines are bought and sold every day all over the world. Still, if you have a rarity, and can't find any references to it online or in Hummel price guides, it may be worth it to consult an appraiser.

Or, if you want to see a quick list of what some Hummel figurines have sold for lately on eBay, click here.