Where to find Chanel serial numbers and what they mean
Vintage Chanel items carry more than just a beautiful design. Every bag has its own production period, and the serial number helps to better understand that timeline. The number gives insight into when a bag was made and adds extra context to the background of the item.
What is a Chanel serial number?
A Chanel serial number is a sequence of digits that indicates the period in which a Chanel bag or accessory was produced. Chanel introduced serial numbers in the 1980s to better identify items and help prevent counterfeiting. Unlike some other brands, a Chanel serial number is linked to one specific item.
The serial number does not show an exact production date, but it does give an indication of the production period. Keep in mind that a serial number alone is not enough to determine authenticity. Materials, fabric, and craftsmanship should always be checked as well.
The Chanel serial number and authenticity card
At Chanel, the serial number is always applied on a sticker inside the bag. The number is not stamped or pressed into the leather, as is the case with some other brands. In later years, this sticker was paired with a matching authenticity card that carries the same number.
Does every Chanel bag have a serial number and authenticity card?
Not all Chanel bags have a serial number or authenticity card. Items made before the 1980s do not contain a serial number. From that point on, Chanel bags were fitted with a serial number sticker on the inside, combined with a matching authenticity card carrying the same number.
With vintage bags, it can happen that the sticker or card is missing. The sticker may fade or come loose over time due to use, and the card can easily be lost. In the past, the sticker was sometimes intentionally removed because customers did not like the look of the label inside the bag. Since 2021, Chanel no longer uses serial number stickers, but an invisible microchip that can only be read by Chanel itself.
The absence of a serial number or authenticity card therefore does not automatically mean that a Chanel bag is not authentic.
Where can you find the Chanel serial number?
When a Chanel bag has a serial number, it is always located on the inside of the bag. The exact location varies by model and size. Common places include:
- On the inner lining
- Inside an interior pocket
- On a small leather tab on the inside
- Along a seam or in a corner of the bag
The serial number is shown on a sticker that can fade or come loose due to age and use. With older or frequently used bags, the number may therefore be less visible.
How do you read a Chanel serial number?
Chanel uses an internal system for assigning serial numbers. The exact structure is not fully public, but there are online authenticators and reference overviews that help link serial numbers to a production period. These do not provide official confirmation, but they can offer a good indication of the year in which a Chanel bag was made.
To roughly determine the production period, two elements are important:
- the number of digits in the serial number
- the first one or two digits of the sequence
By comparing these with known serial number ranges, it is possible to identify the approximate period in which an item was produced.
Guide for Chanel serial numbers:
| Serial number | Year | Digits | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXXXXX | Mid-1980s | 6 |
|
| 0XXXXXX | 1986 - 1988 | 7 |
|
| 1XXXXXX | 1989 - 1991 | 7 |
|
| 2XXXXXX | 1991 - 1994 | 7 |
|
| 3XXXXXX - 4XXXXXX | 1994 - 1997 | 7 |
|
| 5XXXXXX | 1997 - 1999 | 7 |
|
| 6XXXXXX | 2000 - 2002 | 7 |
|
| 7XXXXXX | 2002 - 2003 | 7 |
|
| 8XXXXXX | 2003 - 2004 | 7 |
|
| 9XXXXXX | 2004 - 2005 | 7 |
|
| 10XXXXXX | 2005 - 2006 | 8 |
|
| 11XXXXXX | 2006 - 2008 | 8 |
|
| 12XXXXXX | 2008 - 2009 | 8 |
|
| 13XXXXXX | 2009 - 2010 | 8 |
|
| 14XXXXXX | 2010 - 2011 | 8 |
|
| 15XXXXXX | 2011 | 8 |
|
| 16XXXXXX | 2012 | 8 |
|
| 17XXXXXX | 2012 - 2013 | 8 |
|
| 18XXXXXX | 2013 - 2014 | 8 |
|
| 19XXXXXX | 2014 | 8 |
|
| 20XXXXXX | 2014 - 2015 | 8 |
|
| 21XXXXXX | 2015 - 2016 | 8 |
|
| 22XXXXXX | 2016 - 2017 | 8 |
|
| 23XXXXXX | 2016 - 2017 | 8 |
|
| 24XXXXXX | 2017 - 2018 | 8 |
|
| 25XXXXXX | 2018 | 8 |
|
| 26XXXXXX | 2018 - 2019 | 8 |
|
| 27XXXXXX - 29XXXXXX | 2019 | 8 |
|
| 30XXXXXX | 2020 | 8 |
|
| 31XXXXXX | 2021 | 8 |
|
1. Serifs (feet)*
The number 1 has clearly visible horizontal lines at the top and bottom.
2. Small Serifs (feet)**
The number 1 has very small horizontal lines at the top or bottom.
3. Sans serif (no feet)***
The number 1 is a simple straight line, with no horizontal lines at the top or bottom.
Examples of Date Code Locations in Chanel Bags
The location of a Chanel serial number can differ per model. The serial number is placed discreetly inside the bag, depending on the design and size. By looking at a few common examples, it becomes easier to know where to check. Below, you’ll find examples of where to find the serial number in popular Chanel bags.
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