What are E German 30 and 40 round AK mags in 7.62 going for these days?  How do they stack up against the Bulgy polymer mags?

You'd have to ask someone like Stottman about this because he would know he lives in Germany.  did they ever produce a bakelite 7.62 in Germany?  I guess it would make since but I don't know.

Check the 40 round magazine for a shield with a star in it- check on the back of the magazine along the rib. If it has this, it is NOT EAST GERMAN, it is Molot (Russian). Thousands of 40 round Molot mags were sold as "East German" so check well.

30 round magazines go for about $14 and the 40 rounders will vary depending on if they are indeed East German or Russian.

East Germany never mass-produced 7.62x39mm Bakelite mags.

The E German mags are steel, I know it is still apples to oranges, steel vs. poly, but which one is prefered.  Bulgy poly or E German steel?

Bulgerian "Circle 10" magazines are fairly desireable- light, strong. They tend to sell for more than E. German steel mags.

ETA: the "orange" magazines are not plastic, they are bakelite.