The Secret Code of Chanel Series Numbers

Every Chanel handbag and accessories boasts its serial number, which makes no two bags alike. The serial number will typically be found on a white sticker attached to the lining of a purse. The shape and position of the sticker may vary based on the year of production.

The first digit(s) of the serial number, however, typically identify the year of manufacture. Here is the serial number format breakdown and corresponding year reference:

The serial number is an identification code for a particular handbag it matches with the actual authentication card that goes along with it. Although date codes can be 7 to 8 digits, authenticators and even resellers often use the first two digits of the serial code as a gauge of how old it is.

For example: A "23 series" bag is from the year 2017. Let's go deeper into further detail on the Chanel serial numbers and how we authenticate the bag.

Series XXXXXX (Years 1986 until 1988)

• 6 digits long, beginning with 1 or 2
• The stickers were slightly larger than their later counterparts

Series 0XXXXXX to 1XXXXXX (Years 1989 until 1991)

•  7-digit long
• Code is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos, covered with an opaque layer
• Left side of the sticker is cut out
• The 0’s have no strikes through them
• The 1’s have serifs/feet

Series 2XXXXXX (Years 1991until 1994)

• 7 digits long
• Code is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos, covered with an opaque layer
• The 0’s have strikes through them for serial codes starting with 28 and 29
• The 1’s have serifs/feet

Series 3XXXXXX to 4XXXXXX (Years 1994 until 1997)

• 7 digits long 
• Code is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos, covered with an opaque layer
• The 0’s have strikes through them
• The 1’s are sans-serif/no feet

Series 5XXXXXX (Years 1997 until 1999)

•  7 digits long
• Code is printed on a white sticker with numerous Chanel logos
• Codes beginning with 57, 58, and 59 there may be 2 Chanel logos above the serial code. 
• The 0’s have strikes through them for serial numbers beginning with 50, 51, 57, and 59.
• The 0’s have no strike through them for serial numbers beginning with 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56. 
• The 1’s have small serifs/feet for serial numbers beginning with 57, 58, and 59

Series 6XXXXXX to 9XXXXXX (Years 2000 until 2005)

•  7 digits long
• The 0’s have strikes through them
• 1’s have serifs/feet
• Two Chanel logos above the serial code
• Code is printed on white sticker covered with a transparent tape with light iridescent spots which has
  “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side
• An X is cut into the sticker

Series 10XXXXXX to 22XXXXXX (Year 2005-2017)

•  8 digits long
• The 0’s have strikes through them
• 1’s have serifs/feet
• Two Chanel logos above the serial code
• Code is printed on white sticker covered with a transparent tape with light iridescent spots which has
  “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side
• An X is cut into the sticker

Series 23XXXXXX to 31XXXXXX - (Years 2017 until 2021)

•  8 digits long
• The 0’s have strikes through them
• 1’s  have serifs/feet
• Two Chanel logos above the serial code
• Code is printed on white sticker covered with a transparent tape which has light iridescent spots in blue and gold, and a dark vertical line running down the left side
• An X is cut into the sticker

Series 32XXXXXX and the NFC Chip - (Year 2021 until present)

•  The 32 series sticker can mostly be found on SLGs (small leather goods) and a select number of bags
• However, the majority of handbags from Chanel now feature an NFC Chip in place of a serial sticker
• Small Leather Goods (SLG) has a sticker with the serial code instead of the NFC chip, possibly due to lack of space

The date codes or serial numbers, as it were, are important to know for two main reasons. First, amongst so many other features, the serial code is an important feature of the bags when one is trying to confirm the authenticity of a Chanel purse. Second and more importantly, if you have a second-hand bag in the market, the serial number tells you the year in which the bag was manufactured. This is very important information, as it helps you better manage your expectations as regards the condition of a second-hand Chanel bag relative to its age.