Authenticating a Chanel handbag can be somewhat complex. While there are many things to consider (see our complete Chanel Authenticity Guide), the date code is of particular importance. Not only will these help with authentication, but they'll also give you an estimation on the age of the bag, allowing you to better equip yourself prior to your purchase of a secondhand Chanel bag.

The date codes, sometimes referred to as authenticity codes or serial codes, on Chanel handbags consist of serial numbers that correspond to time periods during which the bags were manufactured. For example, the most recently manufactured bags have 8-digit serial numbers beginning 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 in 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. 

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Quick Reference Chanel Date Code Chart

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: 19XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2014

Features: 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: 18XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2013-2014

Features: 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: 17XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2012-2013

Features: 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: 16XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2012

Features: 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: 15XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2011

Features: 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: 14XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2010-2011

Features: 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: 13XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2009-2010

Features: 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: 12XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2008-2009

Features: 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: 11XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2006-2008

Features: 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: 10XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2005-2006

Features: 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: 9XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2004-2005

Features: 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: 8XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2003-2004

Features: 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: 7XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2002-2003

Features: 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: 6XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 2000-2002

Features: 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: 5XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 1997-1999

Features: 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: 4XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 1996-1997

Features: 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: 3XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 1994-1996

Features: 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: 2XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 1991-1994

Features: 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: 1XXXXXX

Year manufactured: 1989-1991

Features: 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: 1986-1988

Features: 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.

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