Guide to: how to read Chanel serial numbers | l'Étoile Luxury Vintage (2024)

FAQs

How do I read my Chanel serial code? ›

The first number indicates the year of manufacture. From 2005 up until 2021, the stickers contained a series of 8 digits; the first two numbers indicating the year of manufacture. By knowing the year of manufacture, you can better determine which collection the Chanel bag belongs to.

Serial Numbers:

Serial numbers are usually in a corner or pocket of a handbag. From 2000 onwards the sticker is protected with a clear hologram tape. Because serial numbers pre-2000's are not protected by any tape, many vintage Chanel bags may be missing their serial number stickers.

SERIAL NUMBERS

The first thing to look at is the Authenticity code, which comes with all original bags. Each serial number reflects when the bag was made: if a brand new code has a serial number or sticker reflecting a previous model, this will indicate a fake Chanel bag.

Generally, a bag must be at least 20 years old to be considered a vintage Chanel bag. Exceptional materials and artisanship ensure that Chanel bags continue to look beautiful for decades. For many collectors, a Chanel vintage bag is like a cherished heirloom from a kindred spirit.

Between 2005 to the present day Chanel have adopted an eight-digit serial number. This is printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos. "CHANEL" is printed on right hand side of the sticker and a dark line is printed along the left side of sticker. The sticker is flecked with gold speckles.

Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos. "X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker.

If you are not fussed about buying vintage Chanel specifically, this does expand your choice when it comes to searching for an investment handbag. Anything 20 years old or more is officially classed as vintage, so bags made from 2000 onwards tend be tagged as pre-loved instead.

Another reason why vintage bags are better than modern ones is the superior craftsmanship. Vintage Chanel bags were made with the finest leathers and hardware, and every stitch and detail was carefully hand crafted by skilled artisans. Modern bags are machine made and there is little to no hand detailing.

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The new Chanel Microchip

For bags, the metal plate is attached to the handbag's interior, whereas for Wallet on Chains, the metal plate can be found inside the zip pocket. The metal plate hardware matches the rest of the bag's hardware and features the classic CC logo engraved with an 8-digit serial code underneath.

Prices for Vintage Chanel bags are generally lower than new Chanel bags but there are some rare limited edition styles that are significantly more. A Chanel vintage classic flap bag is around $6,000-7,000 if it's in excellent condition. A vintage Chanel Full Flap and Chanel Diana Flap are closer to $4,000-$5,000.

While any fashion item that is 20 to 100 years old is properly considered “vintage,” the most highly-coveted items in any vintage Chanel collection are those dating to the 1980s and 1990s. This was the golden age of Karl Lagerfeld's reign as the creative director of Chanel from 1982-2000.

For 8 digit serial numbers, the year is determined by the first two digits (i.e. 24XXXXXX corresponds to late 2017-early 2018). If your bag has a 7 digit serial number, the year of production is determined by the first digit (i.e. 6XXXXXX corresponds to 2000-2002.)

Let's look at how to tell if a Chanel bag is real by examining the code. The Chanel serial codes were printed on plastic stickers that were then affixed to a location inside the bag that varied with the bag style and year it was produced. Like everything Chanel makes, genuine stickers look professional.

The serial number is printed on the cutout portion of the sticker and is a 1 series, indicating that the handbag was made in between 1989 and 1991. By the 1990s, Chanel's serial number stickers started to evolve with much more distinguishable interlocking “CC” logos printed throughout the stickers.

If you notice any loose or uneven stitching, it may be a sign that the bag is fake. Hardware: Check the hardware, such as the CC logo, chain, and turn-lock closure. The hardware on an authentic Chanel bag will be heavy and of high quality. If the hardware is lightweight or looks cheap, it may be a fake.