How To Read The Chanel Bag Code?
How to Read the Chanel Bag Code: A Complete Guide
Chanel bags are timeless icons, and each piece tells a unique story. One of the key elements in determining the authenticity and origin of a Chanel bag is the serial number. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Chanel bag codes, with a detailed table to help you decipher them.
What is Chanel serial number?
The serial code is a unique label found inside every Chanel bag produced since 1986. It serves to identify the authenticity and to provide information on the production period of the bag. This code is composed of numbers that change according to the year of production.
Where to find the serial code?
The serial number is usually located inside the bag, glued near a seam or inside a pocket. The code is printed on a transparent adhesive label, which is covered with a protective film. Until 2021, Chanel also provided an authentication card with the corresponding serial number. However, since 2021, the house has eliminated these cards in favor of microchips integrated into the bag.
How to read the serial code?
Each serial code is composed of a sequence of numbers that indicate the year of production. For example:
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Bags produced between 1986 and 2000 have 6 to 7 digit codes.
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From 2000 onwards, codes have 8 digits.
The first numbers in the code indicate the year of production. For example, a code starting with "12" indicates that the bag was produced in 2008.
| Serial Code | Year of Production | Details | Character and Style | Shape of 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0XXXXXX | 1986-1988 | 7 digit code, white sticker with black letters. | Sans-serif font, uniform size. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 1XXXXXX | 1989-1991 | Improved sticker, introduced CC logo. | Same sans-serif style, more refined. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 2XXXXXX | 1991-1994 | Using more resistant adhesives. | Sans-serif, slightly larger. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 3XXXXXX | 1994-1996 | Layout unchanged, 7-digit codes. | Sans-serif font, improved consistency. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 4XXXXXX | 1996-1997 | Improvements in sticker quality. | Sans-serif font, more readable. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 5XXXXXX | 1997-1999 | 7-digit codes, film-protected sticker. | Sans-serif font, anti-wear film. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 6XXXXXX | 2000 | End of 7-digit codes, introduction of 8-digit ones. | Sans-serif font, updated. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 7XXXXXXX | 2001-2002 | Hologram stickers for added security. | Sans-serif font, superior readability. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 8XXXXXXX | 2003-2004 | Aesthetic improvements to stickers. | Sans-serif font, more elegant. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 9XXXXXXX | 2005-2006 | Introduction of new printing techniques. | Sans-serif font, sharper margins. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 10XXXXXXX | 2007-2008 | Updated hologram codes. | Sans-serif font, better proportions. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 12XXXXXXX | 2009-2010 | Simplified layout for reading. | Sans-serif font, minimalist aesthetic. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 14XXXXXXX | 2011-2012 | Adding security features to stickers. | Sans-serif font, sharper. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 17XXXXXXX | 2013-2014 | Design unchanged, technical improvements. | Sans-serif font, better contrast. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 19XXXXXXX | 2015-2016 | Strengthening the protective film. | Sans-serif font, clearer details. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 21XXXXXXX | 2017-2018 | Refined aesthetics and greater resistance. | Sans-serif font, superior quality. | 0s are crossed out. |
| 25XXXXXXX | 2019-2020 | Last version before microchips. | Sans-serif font, with finishing touches. | 0s are crossed out. |
| Microchip | 2021-onwards | Code replacement with NFC technology. | No visible characters, just microchip. | Not applicable. |
Differences between serial code and microchip
Since 2021, Chanel has introduced microchips embedded in bags to replace the traditional serial number and authentication card. These microchips contain digital information about the bag, offering a higher level of security and easier authenticity control.
How to check the authenticity of a Chanel bag?
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Check the serial number: Make sure it matches the year of manufacture.
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Check the quality: Authentic Chanel bags are made from the highest quality materials.
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Compare with the certificate of authenticity: If the bag was produced before 2021, verify that the serial number matches the one on the card.
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Get help from an expert: If you have any doubts, rely on a professional.
Conclusion
Knowing the serial number of Chanel bags allows you not only to verify their authenticity, but also to appreciate the history and value of these iconic pieces. By following this guide, you can easily decipher the code and guarantee the purchase of an original bag.