Within the luxurious interior of each Chanel bag lies a set of numbers, printed on a tag or sticker, aiming to deter counterfeiters since 1986. While primarily serving as a measure of authenticity, these numbers also play a crucial role in determining the age of each Chanel bag.

Chanel's serial codes differ from Louis Vuitton's date codes; they are unique serial codes rather than date indicators. Although the system is known only to a select few, such as Chanel employees, each bag's serial number is specific to that particular item. This allows Chanel to monitor its products across various platforms, reducing the circulation of counterfeit items in the resale market.

Understanding Chanel's serial codes involves noting several key points. Originally, the numbers consisted of seven digits before transitioning to eight-digit numbers, with the addition of a ten at the beginning. The introduction of the zero series marked the initial codes used on Chanel bags for the first two years. Serial codes are often categorized into "series" based on the first one to two digits, depending on whether the numbers are seven or eight digits long.

 

Serial Number (Series)	Year of Manufacture
30######	2020
29######	2019
28######	2019
27######	2019
26######	2018-2019
25######	2018
24######	2017-2018
23######	2017
22######	2016-2017
21######	2015-2016
20######	2014-2015
19######	2014
18######	2013-2014
17######	2012-2013
16######	2012
15######	2011
14######	2010-2011
13######	2009-2010
12######	2008-2009
11######	2006-2008
10######	2005-2006
9######	2004-2005
8######	2003-2004
7######	2002-2003
6######	2000-2002
5######	1997-1999
4######	1996-1997
3######	1994-1996
2######	1991-1994
1######	1989-1991
0######	1986-1988