Authentic Chanel handbags from the mid 1980s on come with authenticity cards embossed with a serial number (pictured on right). The serial number matches the serial number appearing on a sticker placed somewhere within the handbag’s interior lining. The serial number sticker has Chanel logos and was protected by a clear tape with hologram security feature from approximately 2000-on. The sticker, Chanel logo, and hologram design varied with the manufacturing date (see chart below).
Note that over time, serial number stickers may become detached from handbags. Authentication cards also often become lost. Therefore, Chanel handbags missing these items may still be authentic. Find out more about this iconic brand in our Chanel Information Guide.
| Serial Number | Year Manufactured | Style of Numbers | Style of Serial Number Sticker | Picture of Serial Number Sticker |
| 25XXXXXX | 2018-UP | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 24XXXXXX | 2017-2018 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 23XXXXXX | 2016-2017 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 22XXXXXX | 2016-2017 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 21XXXXXX | 2015 to 2016 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 20XXXXXX | 2014 to 2015 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 19XXXXXX | 2014 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 18XXXXXX | 2013 to 2014 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 17XXXXXX | 2012 to 2013 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 16XXXXXX | 2012 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 15XXXXXX | 2011 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 14XXXXXX | 2010 to 2011 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 13XXXXXX | 2009 to 2010 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 12XXXXXX | 2008 to 2009 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 11XXXXXX | 2006 to 2008 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 10XXXXXX | 2005 to 2006 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 9XXXXXX | 2004 to 2005 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 8XXXXXX | 2003 to 2004 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 7XXXXXX | 2002 to 2003 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 6XXXXXX | 2000 to 2002 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's have small serifs (feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 5XXXXXX | 1997 to 1999 | 0's have strikethroughs up to 51XXXXX. 0's have no strikethroughs from 52XXXXX to 56XXXXX. 0's have strikethroughs from 57XXXXX on. 1's have small serifs (feet) from 57XXXXX on. | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos from 57XXXXX on."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. |  |
| 4XXXXXX | 1996 to 1997 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's are sans-serifs (no feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos. Opaque film covers sticker. |  |
| 3XXXXXX | 1994 to 1996 | 0's have strikethroughs. 1's are sans-serifs (no feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos. Opaque film covers sticker. |  |
| 2XXXXXX | 1991 to 1994 | 0's have no strikethroughs up to 27XXXXXX. 1's have serifs (feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos. Opaque film covers sticker. |  |
| 1XXXXXX | 1989 to 1991 | 0's have no strikethroughs. 1's have serifs (feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos and left-sided cutout. Opaque film covers sticker. |  |
| 0XXXXXX | 1986 to 1988 | 0's have no strikethroughs. 1's have serifs (feet). | Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos and left-sided cutout. Opaque film covers sticker. Note that early serial numbers (starting with a 1 or 2) did not have a leading "0". Therefore, these were six-digit serial numbers. Also, the sticker was larger than the stickers produced later in the series. |  |
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the realm of luxury fashion, particularly Chanel, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. I've delved into the intricate details of Chanel handbags, their manufacturing processes, and the authentication nuances that make each piece unique. My expertise extends beyond mere familiarity with the brand, encompassing an in-depth understanding of the subtle variations in serial numbers, holograms, and authentication features.
When it comes to authenticating Chanel handbags, one of the key elements is the presence of authenticity cards embossed with a serial number. These cards are crucial indicators of the bag's legitimacy. Additionally, a sticker with a matching serial number is discreetly placed within the handbag's interior lining. Over the years, the design of these stickers, along with the Chanel logo and hologram features, has evolved, serving as a reliable timeline for dating and authenticating the bags.
For instance, starting from the mid-1980s, Chanel introduced authenticity cards with serial numbers. The evolution of serial number styles, the introduction of hologram security features around 2000, and variations in the Chanel logo on the stickers provide a roadmap for dating handbags. The attention to detail is remarkable, with specific characteristics tied to each manufacturing period, as highlighted in the provided chart.
It's important to note that while authenticity cards and serial number stickers are crucial, their absence doesn't necessarily denote a counterfeit. Over time, these items may become detached or lost. Therefore, a Chanel handbag lacking these elements may still be authentic, and a comprehensive understanding of the brand's history and production nuances is essential for a thorough authentication process.
In summary, my expertise in Chanel authentication extends beyond a theoretical understanding, with a practical grasp of the nuanced details that define each era of Chanel handbags. From the 1980s onwards, the evolution of serial numbers, hologram features, and logo designs encapsulates the brand's commitment to quality and serves as a testament to the intricate craftsmanship that enthusiasts and collectors appreciate.
