Authenticating your designer bag can sometimes come with its own challenges, confusions, and blind spots. Authenticating a Chanel bag is also considered exceedingly complex. While there are many things to consider (see a complete Chanel Authenticity Guide), understanding the date code is extremely important. Not only will these help with authentication, but it will also give you an estimation on the age of the bag, allowing you to better equip yourself prior to your purchase of a pre-loved, vintage Chanel bag. So welcome to the ultimate guide to navigating Chanel.
The date codes, sometimes referred to as authenticity codes or serial codes, on Chanel handbags consist of serial numbers that correspond to periods during which the bags were manufactured. For example, 8-digit serial numbers begin with “30”. Certain features about the date code stickers, style of numerals in the date code, and authenticity cards have changed somewhat over the years. Use the information & visuals below to assist you in determining if the manufacturing age of your bag as well as whether your bag does or does not conform to those features (and thus whether there are any red flags about its authenticity). Keep in mind that Chanel only started using date codes in the mid-1980s.
While the placement of these date codes may vary, most bags will feature the serial code sticker placed directly on the lining. They are typically placed in corners, either facing up or down. Alternatively, they are adhered to a small leather tab inside the bag, also usually found in the corner.
| YEAR | DATE CODE FORMAT |
| 2021 | 31XXXXXX |
| 2020 | 30XXXXXX |
| 2019 | 27XXXXXX or 28XXXXXX or 29XXXXXX |
| 2018 – 2019 | 26XXXXXX |
| 2018 | 25XXXXXX |
| 2017 – 2018 | 24XXXXXX |
| 2017 | 23XXXXXX |
| 2016 – 2017 | 22XXXXXX |
| 2015 – 2016 | 21XXXXXX |
| 2014 – 2015 | 20XXXXXX |
| 2014 | 19XXXXXX |
| 2013 – 2014 | 18XXXXXX |
| 2012 – 2013 | 17XXXXXX |
| 2012 | 16XXXXXX |
| 2011 | 15XXXXXX |
| 2010 – 2011 | 14XXXXXX |
| 2009 – 2010 | 13XXXXXX |
| 2008 – 2009 | 12XXXXXX |
| 2006 – 2008 | 11XXXXXX |
| 2005 – 2006 | 10XXXXXX |
| 2004 – 2005 | 9XXXXXX |
| 2003 – 2004 | 8XXXXXX |
| 2002 – 2003 | 7XXXXXX |
| 2000 – 2002 | 6XXXXXX |
| 1997 – 1999 | 5XXXXXX |
| 1996 – 1997 | 4XXXXXX |
| 1994 – 1996 | 3XXXXXX |
| 1991 – 1994 | 2XXXXXX |
| 1989 – 1991 | 1XXXXXX |
| 1986 – 1988 | 0XXXXXX |
Serial number: 30XXXXXX / 31 XXXXXX
Year manufactured: 2020 / 2021
Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 30/31. The newest bags feature a serial number printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. The sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. A dark vertical line is apparent running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks in blue and gold. The 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 27XXXXXX or 28 XXXXXX or 29 XXXXXX
Year manufactured: 2019
Features: Features remain unchanged from 2020
Serial number: 26XXXXXX
Year manufactured: 2018 to 2019
Features: Features remain unchanged from 2020
Serial number: 25XXXXXX
Year manufactured: 2018
Features: Features remain unchanged from 2020
Serial number: 24XXXXXX
Year manufactured: 2017 to 2018
Features: Features remain unchanged from 2020
Serial number: 23XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2017Features: Features remain unchanged from 2020
Serial number: 22XXXXXX
Year manufactured: 2016-2017
Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 22. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 21XXXXXX
Year manufactured: 2015-2016
Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 21. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 20XXXXXX
Year manufactured: 2014-2015
Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 20. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 19XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2014Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 19. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 18XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2013-2014Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 18. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 17XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2012-2013Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 17. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 16XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2012Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 16. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 15XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2011Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 15. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks.0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 14XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2010-2011Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 14. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 13XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2009-2010Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 13. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 12XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2008-2009Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 12. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 11XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2006-2008Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 11. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 10XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2005-2006Features: 8-digit serial numbers beginning with 10. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 9XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2004-2005Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 9. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 8XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2003-2004Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 8. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 7XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2002-2003Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 7. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 6XXXXXXYear manufactured: 2000-2002Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 6. Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side. The transparent tape is covered in faint iridescent specks. 0 has strike through and 1 has small serifs or feet.
Serial number: 5XXXXXXYear manufactured: 1997-1999Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 5. Serial number is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos. For codes beginning with 57, 58 and 59 there may be two Chanel logos above the serial number. 0 has strike through for serial numbers beginning with 50, 51, 57, 59 and 59. 0 has no strike through for serial numbers beginning with 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56. 1 has small serifs or feet for serial numbers beginning with 57, 58 and 59.
Serial number: 4XXXXXXYear manufactured: 1996-1997Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 4. Serial number is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos. Sticker is covered with an opaque film. 0 has strike through and 1 is sans-serif style (no feet).
Serial number: 3XXXXXXYear manufactured: 1994-1996Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 3. Serial number is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos. Sticker is covered with an opaque film. 0 has strike through and 1 is sans-serif style (no feet).
Serial number: 2XXXXXXYear manufactured: 1991-1994Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 2. Serial number is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos. Sticker is covered with an opaque film. 0 has strike through for serial numbers starting with 28 and 29. 1 has serifs or feet.
Serial number: 1XXXXXXYear manufactured: 1989-1991Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 1. Serial number is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos. Sticker is covered with an opaque film. Left side of sticker is indented/scooped out. 0 has no strike through and 1 has serifs or feet. 
Serial number: 0XXXXXX*Year manufactured: 1986-1988Features: 7-digit serial numbers beginning with 0. Serial number is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos. Sticker is covered with an opaque film. Left side of sticker is indented/scooped out. 0 has no strike through and 1 has serifs or feet.*Note: Early serial numbers from these years did not begin with the zero, and are thus six-digit serial numbers beginning with 1 or 2. In addition, the stickers for these earlier serial numbers were slightly larger than those produced later in the series.
(Source: Lovethatbagetc.com)
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