Luxury items like those from Hermès and Chanel often come with serial numbers that authenticate the item and provide insight into its production history. Knowing how to read these serial numbers can help you verify authenticity and determine the age of your piece.
Hermès Serial Numbers (Date Stamps)
Hermès does not use a traditional serial number system. Instead, each item has a date stamp—a code typically found on the inside of a bag or accessory that indicates the year of manufacture.
Format:
- Before 2015: A letter inside a geometric shape (square or circle)
- After 2015: Just a letter followed by a craftsman ID code (no shape)
Examples:
- A square with the letter “P” = 2012
- A circle with the letter “F” = 1976
- “XY” (without a shape) = 2016 (X being the year)
Tip: The placement of the stamp varies depending on the bag model. For example, in a Birkin or Kelly, it’s often behind the left strap.
Chanel Serial Numbers
Chanel items come with serial number stickers and authenticity cards (for older models). These numbers indicate when the item was manufactured.
Format:
- A series of digits (6 to 9 digits) depending on the production year
- No letters or symbols
Production Year Guide:
- 6-digit code (starts with 0 or 1) = Early 1980s
- 7-digit code (starts with 2–9) = 1986–2004
- 8-digit code (starts with 10–31) = 2005–2020
- After 2021: Chanel introduced microchips with no visible serial numbers
Example:
- Serial starting with “12” = 2008
- Serial starting with “25” = 2018
Location: Usually found inside the bag, often in a corner sewn into the lining.
Be cautious with serial numbers alone. Always cross-check with craftsmanship, brand-specific traits, and if possible, a professional authentication service.
