How to read Chanel date codes and serial numbers

There is a lot to say about CHANEL when it comes to authenticity. Furthermore, there are thousands of websites, with many and many suggestions, guidelines and standards. In this post we want to try and help on how to read Chanel date codes.

Authentic Chanel handbags from the mid 1980s onwards come with authenticity cards embossed with a serial number. You may also enjoy our post on Chanel Madmoiselle bags.

Firstly, the serial reference on the bag shop card matches the serial number (or date code) on a sticker placed somewhere within the handbag’s interior lining. In addition, this sticker has Chanel logos and is protected by a clear tape with hologram security feature from approximately 2000-on.

Moreover, the sticker, Chanel logo, and hologram design varied with the manufacturing date.

What to look for, going back:

2005 to 2011:

Firstly, the stickers had Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker, covered with clear tape with 2 CHANEL logos. Secondly, “X” cut-lines prevented the date code sticker from being removed without damage. In addition, Chanel appears on the right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on the left side, while Gold speckles appear throughout the sticker.

From 1997 to 2005:

During these years, Chanel bags have been crafted with very similar
date code stickers, but the digits were Seven instead of Eight.

1991 to 1997:

 During this period, a seven digit serial number printed on a white
date code sticker with “CHANEL” logos (CC’s) has been applied. Furthermore, we will find an opaque film which covers the sticker.

From 1989 to 1991:

Firstly, we want to find a seven digit serial number printed on a white date code sticker with Chanel Logos and left-sided cut-out. In addition, there will be an opaque film covers the sticker.

1986 to 1989

Firstly, you may ook for seven digit serial number printed on white date code sticker wth “CHANEL” logos and left-sided cut-out. Secondly, you will see an opaque film that covers the sticker. In addition, the early serial numbers (starting with a 1 or 2)  did not have a leading “0”. Therefore, these were six-digit serial numbers. Also, the sticker was longer than the stickers produced after.

This post wants to point out How to read Chanel date codes basing on the bags release years, starting from the mid ’80s. CHANEL bags released before 2005 had SEVEN digit date codes. After that, you will find EIGHT digit date codes.

How to read it:

23XXXXXX	2016 to present
22XXXXXX	2016
21XXXXXX	2015 to 2016
20XXXXXX	2014 to 2015
19XXXXXX	2014
18XXXXXX	2013 to 2014
17XXXXXX	half 2012 to 2013
16XXXXXX	2012
15XXXXXX	end of 2011 to early 2012
14XXXXXX	2011
13XXXXXX	2019 to 2010
12XXXXXX	2008 to 2009
11XXXXXX	2006 to 2008
10XXXXXX	2005 to 2006
9XXXXXX	2004 to 2005
8XXXXXX	2003 to 2004
7XXXXXX	2002 to 2003
6XXXXXX	2000 to 2002
5XXXXXX	1997 to 1999
4XXXXXX	1996 to 1997
3XXXXXX	1994 to 1996
2XXXXXX	1991 to 1994
1XXXXXX	1989 to 1991
0XXXXXX	1986 to 1988

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Some examples:

In this paragraph you may find a few examples of Chanel authentic bags we have sold in the past (some of them may still be available, check for them here). Moreover, from 2011 we will go back to 1984/1986. Each picture will show how the serial code examples and a brief description on how the fonts should look.

In conclusion, we hope this post has been useful for reading Chanel date codes. If you need any assistance do not hesitate to ask or to contact us. You may also want to check out our focus post on this beautiful Chanel vintage Jumbo.

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