Have you ever wondered how Designer Exchange can authenticate a CHANEL handbag? Ever seen a pre-loved CHANEL and wondered if it was real? We’re here to let you in on a little secret known as ‘CHANEL date codes’. If you already know about CHANEL date codes, why not shop the Designer Exchange CHANEL collection today?

Since the mid 1980’s, CHANEL handbags have come with a serial number - also known as a date stamp, serial code or authenticity code by some. This is in the form of both a small sticker on the interior of the handbag and a matching authenticity card. These seemingly random string of numbers correspond to time periods during which the handbags were manufactured.

Not only will an authenticator use this information to check that the handbag is correct and matching when that collection launched, they will also check that the style of the sticker is correct for that period and CHANEL has changed the font and style continuously since they launched this method.

The numbers can also let the authenticator know what features the handbag might have such as if it’s lambskin or caviar.

Want to date your own CHANEL bag? Use the handy list below to see how your number matches the year your purchased it. Date codes starting with the below numbers will correspond to the below year’s collections

25 = 2018-UP

24 = 2017-2018

23 = 2017

22 = 2016-2017

21 = 2015 to 2016 

20 = 2014 to 2015 

19 = 2014

18 = 2013 to 2014

17 = 2012 to 2013

16 = 2012

15 = 2011

14 = 2010 to 2011

13 = 2009 to 2010

12 = 2008 to 2009

11 = 2006 to 2008

10 = 2005 to 2006

9 = 2004 to 2005

8 = 2003 to 2004

7 = 2002 to 2003

6 = 2000 to 2002

5 = 1997 to 1999

4 = 1996 to 1997

3 = 1994 to 1996

2 = 1991 to 1994

1 = 1989 to 1991

0 = 1986 to 1988 

When authenticating the item, the authenticity card has tricks itself to see if it’s authentic or not but the sticker is the real indication. That’s why Designer Exchange sometimes still buys CHANEL bags in with no card as these are much less important than the sticker. However, over time, serial number stickers may become detached from handbags and authentication cards can become lost. Therefore, CHANEL handbags missing these items may still be authentic.

It should be made clear that CHANEL date codes are 1 piece of the authentication puzzle and shouldn’t be used solely to authenticate a bag. If you’re interested in learning authentication, why not see if your local Designer Exchange store is hiring? We teach all our team members to expertly authenticate and provide on the job training throughout their employment.

If you have an item to sell, why not bring it into your local Designer Exchange store and ask any of our authenticators to show you where the points of authenticity are. We are fully transparent and believe that authenticity is a skill everyone benefits from to keep both the fakes out and the recycling of fashion going.