A Quick Guide to Chanel Serial Numbers
It goes without saying that Chanel's Classic Flap Bag is one of fashion's most iconic styles. Soon after Karl Lagerfeld joined the label in the mid-1980's, the purse made its debut. Designed with the modern woman in mind, the Classic Flap featured a more recognizable "CC" turn-lock closure and leather woven straps. Its popularity was nearly instantaneous, but along with the fame came counterfeiting concerns.
In attempt to limit counterfeits, Chanel first began manufacturing handbags and accessories with serial number stickers in 1986. Used as a benchmark of authenticity, these serial numbers are attached to the interiors of Chanel pieces and indicate when a piece was manufactured. Each of these numbers is unique to the bag in which it's found, and no number is repeated.
NOTE: Serial numbers will match the authenticity card, however they will not be able to allow you to determine the style/model of the bag. These serial numbers are unique to their item and the card.
When Chanel began using serial stickers, they began issuing authenticity cards, featuring corresponding serial numbers. These cards have had slight changes throughout the years but have always been a black plastic card with white text and gold borders. Below we have provided an examples of a serial number sticker with its corresponding authenticity card.
Although Chanel bags made between 1986 and present day are manufactured with serial number stickers and authenticity cards, stickers can be damaged or removed and cards can be misplaced. If a Chanel handbag is missing these features, it does not always denote the piece as a counterfeit.
The First Serial Numbers
The earliest of serial numbers were printed on white stickers featuring subtle interlocking "CC" logos. Each of these serial numbers feature 7 digits printed on a cutout positioned the left side of the white sticker, while an opaque film encompasses the sticker. An example from a vintage bag, produced in the late 1980's or early 1990's, is pictured below. 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. The serial number located on the bag below features darkened interlocking CCs with an opaque film on the sticker.
The early 5 series sticker indicates this bag was manufactured between 1997-1999.
Evolution of Serial Numbers – Late 5 series to Early 2021
Starting near the end of 5 series pieces, Chanel has continued their anti-counterfeiting efforts by adding additional features to their serial number stickers. The numbers are still printed onto a white sticker, but the sticker is now completely covered with a clear tape featuring gold and blue glitter throughout. These serial numbers are printed on two-layered holographic stickers. The bottom layer is printed with the serial number and incised with an X, making it impossible to remove without destroying the sticker. They feature a gray line running vertically down the left margin and a line of repeating “CHANEL” with a very small “CC” logo running vertically down the right margin.
Below we have included examples of bags ranging from 6 series to 26 series.
The 6 series sticker above indicates the bag was manufactured between 2000-2002.
The 9 series sticker above indicates the bag was manufactured between 2004-2005, while the 14 series bag was manufactured in 2011.
The 26 series sticker above indicates the bag was manufactured in 2019.
Additional information to consider about Chanel serial numbers include:
-
The stickers are typically affixed to items in two different ways:
-
Attached directly to the interior lining
-
most items with a leather interior lining will have the sticker attached directly to the lining.
-
Stickers that are attached directly to the lining can be placed with the numbers facing right-side up or upside-down.
-
-
attached to a leather tab inside of the item
-
Serial Numbers Chart
Below, we have provided a chart with the Chanel serial number format and their corresponding years of production. If you are curious about the production year of your Chanel piece, use the following chart to help you discover the year.
NOTE: Serial numbers from 0 series to 9 series included 7 digits, whereas serial numbers 10 series to present day include 8 digits.
Present Day: The Plaque
As of April 2021, Chanel has made an interesting new twist in joining the efforts to eliminate counterfeiting. Much like Louis Vuitton's switch to the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchips and eliminating date codes, Chanel has put an end to the need for authenticity cards and the serial number sticker. Beginning with handbags, their purses will now include a plaque that matches the color of the hardware with a CC and a seven letter and digit combination etched into it. Small leather goods will continue to include the authenticity card.
This new system is implemented to deter the removal of the serial since the removal of the plaque will damage the bag. With a plaque, this also eliminates the loss of authenticity cards allowing Chanel to have information about the purchase.
Don't forget to check out our other blogs about popular Chanel materials and how to clean your Chanel bag!
***Couture USA only authenticates items that you would like to sell or consign with us.
Did you find this information helpful? What year was your Chanel bag manufactured? Let us know in the comments below!
Updated July 2021
Let customers speak for us
I have to commend you CoutureUSA! Because you only accept the best of pre-love designer items I get the best of pre-love designer items. I have had so many recent halls from you. That are just top-notch excellent condition. You have a customer for life.
Having lost my vintage John Hardy sterling silver Pali Budda Belly earrings, I was so happy to be able to purchase their replacement with Couture USA. They arrived in excellent condition, better than described.
Every visit is an exceptional experience. The team is intelligent, intuitive, incredibly knowledgeable, and treats every customer with the same level of care whether you're purchasing a Birkin or a wallet. They take the time to truly get to know your style, understand what you love, and even remember the pieces you're working toward adding to your collection, all in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.
The store is over an hour from me, and it's absolutely worth the drive. Their recent expansion and redesign have made the shopping experience even better, with beautiful lighting, more inventory, and a thoughtfully organized layout that evolves with the seasons and current trends.
I also love their FB, Instagram and TikTok content. They share educational snippets about leathers, styles, sizes, and luxury brands that help collectors learn while they shop. It's also clear that every bag is carefully hand-selected before joining their inventory, and their pricing is incredibly competitive.
Most importantly, the team is friendly, professional, welcoming, and completely nonjudgmental. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your luxury journey, they make you feel valued and appreciated. I can't recommend them highly enough. I admire that they are also involved in many local causes and care just as much about their surrounding community. Thank you Couture!!!
Best place to shop on the city of Tampa
I love shopping at couture I find some great bags. I check their site daily. So I don't miss out on what I'm looking for.
I was honestly a little nervous purchasing a pre-loved luxury bag online, but CoutureUSA made the entire experience feel easy and trustworthy. The photos and description were accurate, communication was great, and my bag arrived quickly and packaged really well.
What I appreciated most was that the item looked exactly like I expected when it arrived. There were no surprises, which can definitely be stressful when shopping pre-loved. Overall, the process felt smooth, professional, and genuine. I would definitely shop with them again.
Best places to shop always have great finds with great prices and the experience with everyone in the store like shopping with girlfriends best ever❤️❤️
The staff are very friendly and they have lots of great collection!
Yet another AMAZING find from Couture! I love this store and the staff! This is definitely worth the trip.
I just purchased three items from CoutureUSA that I never even thought I wanted, and fell in love! My first luxury purchase years ago was from CoutureUSA. Not only are their products in excellent condition, their customer service is excellent. I never worry if items are authentic cause they guarantee authenticity.
Love my new LV bucket bag!
My experience with Contour USA was exceptional from start to finish. My David Yurman 10mm Blue Topaz renaissance bracelet arrived in pristine condition and was exactly as described. The entire process felt seamless, professional, and truly reflective of a high-end buying experience. I would absolutely purchase from them again.
The team there was very friendly and fantastic able to answer any questions that I had products and bags are fantastic quality
It is impossible to visit couture USA without buying something special! Love this store and love the ladies that work here!
Described as "excellent" condition, in my opinion it's "like new"! Fast and secure shipping!
Couture VIP
Sign up now for exclusive pre-sale alert before anyone else!
+30 OFF your first purchase of $300 or more
