Minox Riga (12 Teeth)
The Minox Riga is the original subminiature camera produced by Minox, designed by Walter Zapp and introduced in the late 1930s in Riga, Latvia. The "12 Teeth" designation refers to an early variant identified by collectors through the tooth count on an internal mechanism, distinguishing it from later production runs.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Minox Riga (12 Teeth) have ranged from roughly £920 to £2,200, with the limited record giving a midpoint near £1,560. As of 2026 the price a Riga 12 Teeth sells for at saleroom level is highly condition-sensitive, and the small sample size means individual results can swing well outside that band depending on completeness and cosmetic state.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: May 2020
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2020 | £919 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 174) Title: A Minox VEF Riga '12-Tooth' Camera
Description:
A Minox VEF Riga '12-Tooth' Camera, 1937-38, nickel, serial no. 02227, with Minostigmat f/3.5 15mm lens, body, G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 2,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34375) Title: Minox Riga '12 Teeth'
Description:
very early Minox Riga, rare type with 12 teeth, in near mint and fully working condition, all early features Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_12239) Title: Minox Riga
Description:
very early Minox Riga, rare type with 12 teethes, shutter sticky, original red Riga case Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Minox Riga (12 Teeth) worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer results sit between about £920 and £2,200, so the value of a Riga 12 Teeth typically falls within that range depending on condition and completeness.
How much does a Minox Riga (12 Teeth) sell for at auction?
The two tracked UK sales hammered at £919 and £2,200, giving a working midpoint near £1,560, though thin data means the price any given example sells for can vary widely.
Why is the "12 Teeth" variant noted separately?
Collectors identify early Riga production by the tooth count on an internal component, and the 12-tooth examples are catalogued as a distinct variant within the pre-war Minox subminiature family.