What is the best way to tell a fake or genuine Chanel bag? The serial numbers are an infallible clue. Our guide shows which number range the bag should have, what the fonts look like, and the clues to tell if it is fake.
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Serial numbers to identify a fake or genuine Chanel bag
Since the mid-1980s, Chanel bags have been delivered with an authenticity card. A serial number is embossed on the card. The same serial number can be found inside the handbag on the interior cladding or on a tab. The serial number inside the Chanel handbag is affixed by a sticker, which has been protected by a transparent foil with hologram since the beginning of 2000. The design of the stickers and hologram as a safety feature has changed over time and are described here.
| SERIAL NUMBER | YEAR OF MANUFACTURE | FONT OF THE SERIAL NUMBER | DESCRIPTION OF THE STICKER (IN THE BAG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13XXXXXX 12XXXXXX 11XXXXXX 10XXXXXX 9XXXXXX 8XXXXXX 7XXXXXX 6XXXXXX | 2002 to 2010 | “0” is crossed out. “1” has serifs. | Eight-digit serial number on a white sticker with transparent foil printed on the two Chanel logos. “X” shaped set break lines on the sticker prevent it from being removed. “CHANEL” appears on the right side of the sticker. A dark line appears on the left side of the sticker. Gold stains appear throughout the sticker. |
| 5xxxxxx | 1997 to 1999 | “0” is crossed out. serial number 51XXXXX. “0” is not crossed out for numbers from 52XXXXX to 56XXXXX. “0” is crossed out from number 57XXXXX. “1” has serifs from number 57XXXXX. | Seven digit serial number on a white sticker. Above the sticker is a transparent foil with two Chanel logos starting at number 57XXXXX. “X” shaped set break lines on the sticker prevent it from being removed.” CHANEL” appears on the right side of the sticker. A dark line appears on the left side of the sticker. Gold stains appear throughout the sticker. |
| 4xxxxxx 3xxxxxx | 1994 to 1997 | “0” is crossed out. “1” has no serifs. | 7 digit serial number printed on a white sticker with Chanel logos. Opaque foil covers the sticker. |
| 2xxxxxx | 1991 to 1994 | “0” is crossed out to number 27XXXXXX.” 1″ has no serifs. | Serial number printed on a white sticker with Chanel logos. Opaque foil covers the sticker. |
| 1xxxxxx 0xxxxxx | 1986 to 1991 | “0” is crossed out. “1” has serifs. | Seven digit serial number printed on a white sticker with Chanel logos and left-sided neckline. Opaque foil covers the sticker. |
Note: The published information may change or contain errors. We do not guarantee the up-to-dateness, correctness and completeness of the information provided.
