A Guide To Chanel Serial Numbers

A GUIDE TO CHANEL SERIAL NUMBERS
Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!
-Coco Chanel

This guide is for the coveted Coco bag lover. One who appreciates the science behind authentication, the power of such beauty, the elegance of design. Even with several years of experience, seasoned experts still have the daunting task of evaluating countless aspects of the bag, including quilting, hardware, material choice, stamps and holograms, letter embossing… among other things.

Part I: Coco Codes

Chanel Serial Numbers

What is a Chanel Serial Number?
Chanel serial numbers, along with authentication cards, are elements added to every bag, made before 2021, that offer manufacturing information. Post-2021 bags are fitted with microchip technology. Though, alone, they cannot be used to confirm authenticity, they are an extremely helpful tool while analyzing a Chanel handbag. These serial numbers are on a sticker found somewhere on the interior of the bag.

History
In the 1980s, Chanel began the use of a system to battle counterfeits that included two elements: an authenticity card, and a serial number sticker. Each bag came with an authenticity card embossed with a serial number, and a serial number sticker that matched found within the interior of the handbag. The sticker with the serial number includes Chanel logos, and is protected by a clear adhesive with a hologram security feature. The sticker, the logo style, and hologram design varied depending on when the bag was manufactured. In 2021, the fashion house began replacing these serial numbers (and authentication cards) with high-tech microchips within a metal plate attached to each bag.

Working Girl Tip!
The existence of an authenticity card with the bag does not guarantee that it is real. These cards are easily and frequently counterfeited.

Part II: Let’s Get Serious

Serial Number Structure Breakdown  
The Chanel Serial Number has a very distinct, deliberate structure. The bag manufacturing year can be discerned by the total number of digits and first digit or digits in the sequence.

The Serial Specifics
Depending on the year of manufacturing, serial numbers will have very different structures. For example, a bag serial number containing 8 digits was produced between late 2005 and the present. Serial numbers with 7 digits, the manufacturing year is signified by the first digit. An example is a serial number beginning with 7, or 7XXXXXX, signifying the years 2002-2003. There are also rare cases, with vintage Chanel bags with 6-digit serial numbers. Moreover, on average, 1986 bags sport a 7-digit number beginning with 0. However, most rules come with exceptions, with some early 1986 bags omitting that leading 0, using a 6-digit number that begins with a 1 or 2.

Working Girl Tip!
If a bag has a serial number that does not follow the Chanel structure or has more than 8 digits, save your money. It’s fake!

Chanel Serial Number Stickers
We know that reading these serial numbers can be more than confusing, so we have compiled a chart of all the serial number structures you may need! Reference it whenever you need to double check a bag you are about to splurge on.

Your Handy Working Girl Chanel Serial Number Chart

Working Girl Tip!
Though our serial number reading guide is helpful, it is always safest to consult an expert when purchasing! 

xox Happy Chanel Shopping!